1748: MAP OF MEXICO ISSUED BY A WOMAN PRINTER

MAP OF MEXICO ISSUED BY A WOMAN PRINTER

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CUEVAS AGUIRRE Y ESPINOSA, Joseph Francisco de. Extracto de los autos de diligencias, y reconocimientos de los rios, lagunas, vertientes, y desagues de la capital Mexico. Mexico por la Viuda de D. Joseph Bernardo de Hogal, 1748. Small folio (290 mm x 200 mm). [1], 1-71 [1, blank] pp. Map 39 x 46 cm. Complete. Beautiful (modern) red Morocco binding, with a slipcase.

$ 9,500.-

Since Aztec times the drainage of the valley of Mexico had been of paramount concern to the inhabitants because of the numerous floods that had caused great destruction. These problems were aggravated by Cortes failure to restore the Native American dikes , resulting in flood control projects as early as 1553.

During the eighteenth century a series of public works, such as canals, tried to correct the problem. Unfortunately, the efforts were only partially successful, and the problem continued. This work contains a compilation of the acts, investigations, and surveys by various authorities to drainage-up until the time of its publication and represents a serious attempt to deal with the problem once and for all.

The accompanying map is the mother map for the mapping of the Valley of Mexico, and among the most unusual and historic maps of Mexico produced in colonial times. The map encompasses the work of earlier cartographers while introducing new observations and making corrections. This strikingly handsome map combines a high aesthetic of printing and design and the latest methods of cartography.

The widow of José Bernardo de Hogal was perhaps the most important printer in Mexico City from 1741 to 1755. Her husband established a press in 1724 that earned a reputation as one of the finest in the city. When he died in 1741, his widow assumed control of the enterprise and presumably worked mainly as the business manager, taking on projects and financial risks while overseeing the editing and production. Her prolific press issued the nation's second newspaper, the Mercurio de México, as well as this important book. Last sale result for this book $ 8,150. in 2013.