James Reynolds
The Hills and Mountains of the British Isles, 1852
11 x 8 ½ in
28 x 22 cm
28 x 22 cm
GB2095
A charming Victorian infographic comparing the heights of the hills, cliffs, and mountains of the British Isles. At the base of the diagram are St Paul's Cathedral, Land's End (Cornwall),...
A charming Victorian infographic comparing the heights of the hills, cliffs, and mountains of the British Isles. At the base of the diagram are St Paul's Cathedral, Land's End (Cornwall), and Observatory Hill in Greenwich. Rising from there are three separate series of peaks: the mountains of Wales are on the left, England and Scotland are in the centre, and Ireland is on the right. The index below the diagram lists the hills and mountains of each region in ascending order, showing Scafell, Ben Mac Dui, Snowdon, and Cairn Tual as the highest peaks in the land.
James Reynolds (1817-1876) was an innovative English publisher. Born in London, the son of a printer, Reynold's had started his career and set up his premises at 174 Strand by the 1830s. During his career he published books, atlases, maps and scientific educational charts on a wide range of topics - from physical geography and geology to astronomy, architecture, ethnography, and palaeontology.
Of particular note are his educational diagrams, most of which were published between 1846 and 1852. They were inexpensive, accessible to a wide audience, published in large numbers, and very beautiful. The charts all feature striking, colourful illustrations with explanatory notes. They were sold in a series of portfolios the size of books, but with individual cards were not bound in and could be removed for study. To increase their durability, the diagrams are generally printed on stiff card, though as these were always intended to be handled, particularly by children, their survival rates in good condition are quite low.
Reynolds took a great deal of care in making sure his charts were both accurate and attractive. He employed experts, such as he geographer Ernest George Ravenstein (1834-1913) and eminent geologist Professor John Morris (1810-1886), to advise on accuracy and comprehension, and he also worked closely with the talented engraver and artist John Emslie (1813-1875) to produce his eye-catching designs.
Original hand-colour. Framed. [GB2095]
James Reynolds (1817-1876) was an innovative English publisher. Born in London, the son of a printer, Reynold's had started his career and set up his premises at 174 Strand by the 1830s. During his career he published books, atlases, maps and scientific educational charts on a wide range of topics - from physical geography and geology to astronomy, architecture, ethnography, and palaeontology.
Of particular note are his educational diagrams, most of which were published between 1846 and 1852. They were inexpensive, accessible to a wide audience, published in large numbers, and very beautiful. The charts all feature striking, colourful illustrations with explanatory notes. They were sold in a series of portfolios the size of books, but with individual cards were not bound in and could be removed for study. To increase their durability, the diagrams are generally printed on stiff card, though as these were always intended to be handled, particularly by children, their survival rates in good condition are quite low.
Reynolds took a great deal of care in making sure his charts were both accurate and attractive. He employed experts, such as he geographer Ernest George Ravenstein (1834-1913) and eminent geologist Professor John Morris (1810-1886), to advise on accuracy and comprehension, and he also worked closely with the talented engraver and artist John Emslie (1813-1875) to produce his eye-catching designs.
Original hand-colour. Framed. [GB2095]
