Printed [and published] by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London, 12th May 1794.
Image size: 495 x 655mm approx. plus decent borders.
Generally good condition throughout. A firm impression and bright colour. Vertical central fold, as issued. A little toning to the centrefold; likewise, staining to extreme corners at top left and right.
Originally drawn by Robert Sayer in the 1780s, this edition was published by his successors Robert Laurie and James Whittle. Sub-titled, '... Divided into Seven Principal Parts and Subdivided ino Sixty Six Kingdoms; with The Kingdom of Corea, from Kempfer and the Portuguese'. It is quite an accurate depiction given the scarcity of information available at the time. Tokyo shown as Yedo. Off the eastern coast there lies an island 'Fatisio - or Unhappy Island the place of Exile for the Japanese Grandees'.
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’.
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