A highly decorative 19th century Thomas Moule map of Dorset — with heraldic shields and a view of Shaftesbury — which appeared in Barclay’s Complete and Universal English Dictionary (London: G. Virtue, 1840s). The Moule county maps were unusual for the period in that they were highly decorative. The scientific rationality of the late 18th & early 19th century had seen a move away from the flamboyance of earlier map making, emphasising instead, a greater desire for accuracy and detail. Thomas Moule, like many of his contemporaries, however, was drawn to a more simplistic, pre-industrial age. This was clearly reflected in his maps with their neo-Gothic borders, heraldic shields and views of ancient buildings; ironically, the Moule maps issued later in the 1840s were amongst the first to show the newly constructed railways. This is an original steel engraving with later hand colour. Printed area is approximately 25.8cms by 20.6cms. The map is in very good condition with adequate margins. Click on image for a better view. The item comes displayed in a ready to frame museum quality mount. Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs. Guaranteed to be over 160 years old.
