This exceptionally rare map of Sussex is the first geological map of the county. It was produced by William Smith, a foundational figure in the study of geology. His first geological map of Britain, published in 1815, has been described as "the map that changed the world" as it influenced all subsequent geological maps.

In 1819, Smith embarked on an ambitious project to produce an atlas of geological maps of the counties of Britain. Only 21 counties were completed before the work was abandoned. Sussex, Wiltshire, Norfolk, and Kent were the first four counties printed. Smith used John Cary's excellent county maps as the base layer for all of his geological maps. The county-level maps provide greater geological detail than Smith's famous map of the whole of Britain as further surveys allowed for greater precision in delineating the strata. 

Original William Smith maps are extremely scarce on the market today, making this a rare opportunity to acquire a crucial piece of Britain's scientific history.

Original colour. [SUSSEX663]