Johnston's Physical Atlas

Unlike traditional political atlases, this 1848 work maps thematic subjects like meteorology, geology, and the distribution of plants and animals. It was one of the first English-language books to systematically chart physical geography and natural phenomena.

It was created by Alexander Keith Johnston, a prominent Scottish geographer and cartographer based in Edinburgh. He was known as Geographer to Queen Victoria and was a pioneer in physical geography mapping.

Yes, Johnston was heavily inspired by and expanded upon the work of German geographer Heinrich Berghaus, who published a similar physical atlas. Johnston adapted these concepts for an English-speaking audience, making significant scientific updates.

Original printings of the 1848 first edition are considered rare and highly collectible by antique map dealers. Later editions, like the 1856 edition, are slightly more common but still fetch high prices at auction depending on their condition.