Gilles Robert de Vaugondy (1686-1766) and his son Didier (1723-1786) were leading French commercial mapmakers and publishers, active in Paris from the 1740s to 1780s. In recognition of their achievements both were appointed Geographer to the French King.
Their most famous publication was the ‘Atlas Universel’, prepared over a period of about eight years and completed in 1757 (based on dates on the various maps) although the preface talks of fifteen years preparatory work.
The Atlas Universel was the best general standard-format world atlas of its day, albeit from a Francophone viewpoint; it reflects a systematic review of contemporary geographic knowledge, edited in the light of, and to the new standards, of scientific cartography being promoted by the French school, at the time the preeminent body of geographers in Europe. This status can be seen, inter-alia, by the name of copies subscribed for by London map- and booksellers, notably John Nourse and John Rocque, but with other French, Spanish and German booksellers also represented.
The atlas is interesting as presenting the French view of the geographic boundaries between English and French possessions in North America, just as that rivalry developed into the French and Indian War. One of the notable American maps is the French version of Fry and Jefferson’s map of Virginia, in its first state with the boundaries of Lord Fairfax’s Grant shown.
This is the second issue of the atlas, with five post-road maps added, expanding the contents to 108 maps.
Reference: Shirley, T.ROBV-1c & 1d; Nordenskiöld Collection Catalogue, 245.
