Geography Epitomiz’d. Extraordinary and rare broadside summerising geographical and astronomical knowledge in the early 18th century.

This rare advertisement was originally issued as a teaching tool. It was designed and drawn by A. G. Dusauzet, about whom little is known but judging by his name, may have been one of the substantial community of French Huguenots who settled in London in the early 18th century. Research has shown that this piece was first published in 1725 with a further edition in 1727, both of whom were advertised at a price of 5s (shillings). It is believed that the copper plate was acquired by John and Thomas Bowles in either 1730 or 1731, who integrated it into their series of educational sheets and broadsides. Records show they issued it in 1731 and 1733. There is also an example of a geographical atlas by Herman Moll held by the Library of Virginia which has this sheet bound within it.

The sheet consists of a series of panels of which the most prominent is a compass rose in the centre. Within it are a series of small panels explaining the function of the Tropics, the definitions of climate and the concept of latitude and longitude among others.

Outside of the compass rose are a series of further panels on the major continental regions of the four continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and America, listing geographical areas, capital cities, rivers and major islands. Another panel is a compendium of geographical terms while three other panels, two circular and one vertical, explain more natural phenomena such as “of the stars and planets” and “of the air and meteors”.

This piece seems to have been very ephemeral, with few examples recorded in institutions. Apart from the example held in the Library of Virginia, the British Library holds examples of the 1727 and 1731 editions while the David Rumsey Collection holds an example of the 1733 edition.

The example offered here is the 1733 edition with the imprint of Thomas and John Bowles.