THE ASIATIC PART OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE...WITH THE NEW DISCOVERIES OF CAPTN COOK &c

Description

Copper engraving with original wash colour.

Published by Laurie & Whittle, 12th May 1794, No 53 Fleet Street, London.

Image size: 500 x 670mm approx. plus decent borders.

Generally good condition overall. Vertical centre crease, as issued. Slight toning showing along central fold.

Sub-titled: '... from the maps published by the Imperial Academy of St. Petersburg with the new discoveries of Captn. Cook &c.'

Robert Laurie (1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) were a prominent partnership of print and map publishers in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century London. In 1794 they took over the business of their former employer Robert Sayer including the address in Bolt Court, Fleet Steet, London. When Robert Laurie retired from the firm in 1812 his place was taken by Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). Upon his death the firm was bought by Alexander George Findlay, FRGS (1812-1875). It continued in the Fleet Street premises until 1895. In 1904 it merged with James Imray & Son and Norie & Wilson to become Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson at 156 Minories, publishers of nautical pilot books and charts. In 1939, the firm moved to Wych House, St Ives, Huntingdonshire, and specialised in yachting charts. In May 2020, much of the remaining stock was sold at auction. See: BM under ‘Robert Sayer’.