New Jersey, Samuel Lewis. Philadelphia: Mathew Carey, 1814.

“The State of New Jersey, Compiled from the most Authentic Information.”  18 1/2 x 12.  Engraving.  Number “13” added at lower right corner.  Original outline color.  Full margins.  Excellent condition. A/A

The two most influential names in American cartography at the end of the eighteenth century were Mathew Carey and Samuel Lewis.  Published just after the War of 1812, this map is from Carey’s Atlas which represented the best American cartographic work of the period.  Carey, an Irish immigrant, established the first American specialized cartographic publishing firm.  He set up an elaborate cottage system of craftsmen for engraving, printing, and coloring his maps utilizing the best independent artists directed to a common end.  Carey is important, then, not only for the excellent maps he produced, but for his setting the pattern for American map publishing, to be followed by the likes of John Melish and Henry S. Tanner.  Samuel Lewis was a mathematician and one of the best American cartographers of his day.  Through Carey’s intercession his maps had a great impact on American and worldwide cartography.  This map of New Jersey is a very good example of his work.  It shows excellent detail throughout the state, including roads, towns, rivers, bays, harbors, and inlets.  Also indicated are counties, each of which is outlined with original hand coloring.  An excellent early American cartographic document.