1787 Map of Africa by Samuel Bolton

Samuel Boulton’s 1787 map of Africa, published by Robert Sayer as Africa, with all its States, Kingdoms, Republics, Regions, Islands, &ca., is one of the most important 18^th-century maps of Africa. It is a monumental work of late 18th-century commercial cartography that incorporates all of the scientific knowledge of Africa at the time and blends geography with trade and ethnography. It follows d’Anville’s earlier restrained style, depicting well-charted coasts and leaving interiors cautiously annotated, while ocean currents, an Azores inset, and especially a detailed inset of the Gold Coast underscore its maritime and commercial purpose. Long textual panels along the margins describe Africa’s natural products, trade, and customs, effectively turning the map into a handbook for merchants and readers interested in exploration and commerce. Published in the very year Britain’s abolitionist movement formally organized, the map captures the stark tension of its moment: the height of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, meticulously documented through forts and trading posts, on the eve of growing humanitarian opposition. Its enduring influence was reinforced by subsequent reissues in atlases and by Laurie & Whittle after Sayer’s death, preserving it as one of the key late-Enlightenment depictions of the African continent.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.