Devon Maps

25x19 cm

This series of decorative steel-plate engraved maps are commonly known by the name Thomas Moule as they were first issued from May 1830 in a series of parts of The English Counties Delineated written by him. The engraving of the plates was shared between James Bingley, W. Schmollinger and John Dower. Confusingly the engravers names were changed after the first issue on a number of plates. 
Following the parts issue, the first complete edition of The English Counties Delineated was published by George Virtue in 1837 several editions followed until 1839 and the plates were extensively used thereafter by George Virtue and his son James Sprent Virtue in A Complete and Universal Dictionary of the English Language by the Rev. James Barclay until 1857.
The maps were frequently updated to reflect the rapidly developing railway network.
This edition includes the Exeter to Bristol Railway dating the map as 1842.
Includes vignette of Exeter Guildhall.
Fine hand coloured example.
Batten & Bennett Printed Maps of Devon 111 (later issue).