MAP. KNOX, Robert & SMITH, William. A Map of the Country Round Scarborough, in the North & East Ridings of Yorkshire, from actual trigonometrical survey with topographical, geographical and antiquarian descriptions by Robert Knox of Scarborough, formerly marine surveyor to the East India Company. Scarborough, Robert Knox. 1849
Folding coloured map on 12 panels, laid on to linen, c. 65 x 60 cms., engraved by A Findlay, New River Head, London 'and added to by others since'. Original green cloth boards, light green paper label, sl rubbed. An attractive copy. Presentation inscription in upper border 'Given to John Harrison Allan by his affectionate Father, John Allan, London 18 January 1863'.
¶Originally published in 1821, here 'republished with additions', which are primarily a curving coastal section paralleling the coast which names and gives heights of cliffs and inland hills. Extending from Whitby in the north to Bridlington in the south, the Vale of Rye in the west to the German Ocean in the east. The geology is indicated by hand colouring of the existing base map, the work of the geologist, William 'Strata' Smith, 1769-1839. Smith, after leaving debtors' prison in 1819, worked as an itinerant surveyor until one of his employers, Sir John Johnstone, appointed him as Land Steward to his estate in Hackness near Scarborough. Between 1824 and 1834 Smith was based in Hackness and Scarborough where he was responsible for the design of the Rotunda, a geological museum devoted to the Yorkshire coast. Smith was the creator of The Map That Changed the World, (Simon Winchester, 2001), the first ever map of the geology of England and Wales, publication of which in 1815 contributed to his financial problems. John Allan (1790-1865) was born in Whitby, owned ships both there and in London. His son was also a ship owner and collector of antiquities.