Mexico [Republic of Texas]: Hall, c.1840

• Title: Mexico
• Author: Sidney Hall 
• Date: c.1840
• Condition: Very Good - Light, even age toning with scattered foxing visible throughout.
• Inches: 14 1/2 x 10 1/4 [Paper] 
• Centimeters: 36.83 x 26.03 [Paper] 
• Product ID: 308707

This finely engraved map of Mexico, with an inset of “Guatimala,” comes from Black’s General Atlas and was executed on steel by the British engraver Sidney Hall in the mid‑19th century. It presents Mexico during the Republic of Texas period, when Mexico’s northern frontier still extended into what is now the U.S. Southwest, and the neighboring Republic of Texas appears in its distinctive narrow “stovepipe” configuration pushing north toward the Arkansas Territory. Political divisions within Mexico are outlined in delicate original hand color, with states, departments, and principal towns clearly labeled, while finely shaded hachures give convincing relief to the Sierra Madre and other ranges. In the lower left, the inset extends coverage through Central America, continuing the same refined style and tying Mexico’s geography to that of its southern neighbors.

Background on Creator(s)

Sidney Hall (ca. 1788–1831) was a British engraver and cartographer renowned for finely executed early nineteenth‑century atlas maps of the British Isles, Europe, and the wider world, including America. Working from London addresses in Piccadilly, the Strand, and later Bloomsbury, he engraved for prominent publishers such as William Faden, Aaron Arrowsmith, Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green, and is credited as one of the first map engravers to adopt steel plates, which allowed for exceptionally crisp lines and large print runs.

Adam and Charles Black were prominent Scottish publishers based in Edinburgh, known for their significant contributions to cartography and literature in the 19th century. Founded around 1808 by Adam Black, a bookseller and politician, the firm gained recognition for publishing "Black's General Atlas of the World," which featured detailed maps and geographical information, reflecting the latest discoveries of the time. Charles Black, Adam's nephew, joined the company and helped expand its reach.

The publishing house was also notable for producing various editions of the Encyclopedia Britannica and works by authors such as Sir Walter Scott. The firm operated until the early 20th century, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of publishing and map-making.