(Linen-Backed Map, Napoleon's final exile, military History): This Geographical Plan of the Island & Forts of Saint Helena is Dedicated By Permission to Field Marshal..Duke of Kent and Stratheam by.."

London, 1816. Very good condition, early hand colored 16 panel linen backed map, with image measuring 16.75x22.5 inches. The date is approximate, as the initial issue of this map was in October of 1815, to capitalize commercially on Napoleon's exile to the island. On that first issue, based on Sellers map of the island in 1675 "Atlas Maritimus" (in turn taken from early Dutch mapmakers), the location of Napoleon's residence had been mislabelled (was indicated as the Plantation House). In this later issue, the error has been corrected, and both his earlier residence at The Briars, and subsequent Longwood residence are correctly labelled. This folds into a 6x4.75 inch gray card case (original) with the original title label recto, and small image of Napoleon lounging under a palm tree verso. There are a couple of small marginal verso stains on the verso, but none on the front of the case, and no stains on the map. The map is very attractive with sailing ships, and many interesting designations ("Good Shooting Grounds", "Park of Artillery", view of James Fort & Town, and many residences individually named. The map verso contains the full, neatly pasted text of "A Descriptive Sketch to Accompany Liet. Read's Geographical Plan of the Island." The text itself is quite interesting, describing bits of island history (as a nautical way-station) and current military forces. (A nice reference online site for the island and its mapping may be seen at "The St. Helena Virtual Library and Archive". . Illus. by Engr. By R. Kirkwood.