Surveyors of Empire
Samuel Holland, J.F.W. Des Barres, and the Making of The Atlantic Neptune
Description
Using research from both sides of the Atlantic, Stephen Hornsby examines the development of British military cartography in North America during and after the Seven Years War, as well as advancements in military and scientific equipment used in surveying. At the same time, he follows the land speculation of two leading surveyors, Samuel Holland and J.F.W. Des Barres, and the publication history of The Atlantic Neptune. Richly illustrated with images from The Atlantic Neptune and earlier maps, Surveyors of Empire is an insightful account of the relationship between science and imperialism, and the British shaping of the Atlantic world.
Reviews
“When good history meets influential mapmaking, as it does in Stephen Hornsby’s Surveyors of Empire, the result is a fascinating account of the men, methods, and meaning behind measuring territory and representing it visually. Surveyors of Empire offers a
"Ambitious topic and research that went into the study of coastal exploration. Well-written, insightful, I could go on..." John Lyman Book Award jury member
"Surveyors of Empire is a must read. And a must have." Cook's Log
"Packed with often-overlooked information, well written, replete with relevant illustrations." John Lyman Book Award jury member