Description
John Hartshorne Eddy was educated in local schools, but became deaf after contracting scarlet fever. Thereafter, he studied out of school on his own. Among other interests, he developed a great love of geography and frequently corresponded often with professional cartographers. In 1811, he published a “Map of the Western Part of the State of New-York Showing the Route of the Proposed Canal from Lake Erie to Hudson’s River,” compiled at the request of the Canal Commissioners and engraved by Peter Maverick. In 1812, his “Map of the Country Thirty Miles Round the City of New York” was engraved by Peter Maverick and published by Prior & Dunning. In 1814, he produced a map of the New York City environs. Shortly thereafter, he produced a map of the Niagara River that was published by Prior & Dunning, and at this time Gov. DeWitt Clinton asked him to compile a map showing means of communication between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic via Lake Erie and the Hudson River. In 1817, shortly before his death, Eddy finished compiling his large map of New York State, but died suddenly on December 22, 1817 at the age of 33. “The State of New York With Part of the Adjacent States” was published posthumously in 1818, and is considered one of the most beautiful and informative maps ever made of New York State and the surrounding region.
Condition: Map generally fine with only minor toning, soiling, soft creases, and wear, as expected. Original marbleized covers very good.Reference:
Ristow, Walter W. “The Short Life of John H. Eddy, an American ‘Geographer,'” The Map Collector. Number 67 (1994). pages 21-23.
