(Upper Sheet to) A Map of Lower Egypt from Various Surveys communicated by Major Bryce and other Officers. Drawn by A. Arrowsmith 1807. London, Published A. Arrowsmith, No.10 Soho Square, 10th November, 1807. A Map of Lower Egypt from Various Surveys communicated by Major Bryce and other Officers. Drawn by A. Arrowsmith 1807. London, Published A. Arrowsmith, No.10 Soho Square, 10th November, 1807. Upper Sheet: A Map of Lower Egypt from Various Surveys.

"Large and detailed maps of Egypt published just after the failed Alexandrian Expedition, a major operation during the Anglo-Turkish War of 1807-1809. By 1806, Britain had become increasingly fearful of France's growing influence in Constantinople. After the failure of the Dardanelles Operation in September of that year, the British sent a naval force, under the command of Alexander Mackenzie-Fraser, to secure Alexandria as a base from which to conduct their operations against the Ottomans and French. Although initially met with little resistance, the British were hampered by supply issues and, later on, by stiff Egyptian counteraction. By the end of September they were forced to leave Alexandria having failed in their mission. A great deal of the geographical information for the map of Lower Egypt came from Sir Alexander Bryce of the Royal Engineers (d.1832), who had served under Sir Ralph Abercromby at the Battle of Alexandria of 1801. Bryce would (together with Captain W. Mudge of Ordnance Survey renown) help in carrying out General Roy's system of triangulation for connecting the meridians of Greenwich and Paris, and in the measurement of a "base of verification" in Romney Marsh." (Lyon and Turnbull) Detailed notes describe the condition of canals, roads, and navigation of the Nile River. Aaron Arrowsmith (1750-1823) was the finest cartographer of his generation. Although he received little formal education it is believed that he was taught some mathematical instruction by William Emerson, an author of several books on the application of mathematics to the area of cartography. Around 1770, Arrowsmith moved to London to seek employment. It is believed that he worked for William Faden before joining John Cary Sr. in the early 1780s. There he provided the measurements for John Cary's early publication detailing the roads from London to Falmouth, his first signed work. Arrowsmith set up on his own n 1790 and over the next thirty years produced some of the most beautiful and elegant maps of the era. BLMC Maps 64390.(4.); Maps 17.a.15.