Cartography of the late 18th century represented the most accurate geography of Africa, since “mapmakers soon revised their maps to incorporate the most recent geographical knowledge.”[1] Aaron Arrowsmith, following Rennell’s critical compilation, sought to be the best and most accurate cartographer of the time, “the greater the authority of the mapmaker, the greater the impression the map will have in shaping the public’s perception of an area.”[2] In 1802, in a dedication to the African Association and Mungo Park, Arrowsmith issued a map that depicts the Mountains of Kong as a real range.[3] His “adherence to the ethic of accuracy and construction of ‘objective’ maps” caused scholars to believe that the range existed.[4] His high authority and accuracy, along with his skillful use of silences in his map, “makes the mountains’ existence more believable.”[5] Arrowsmith’s political role in cartography manifested itself later. He was deemed, “Hydrographer to the King of England and Geographer to the prince of Wales.”[6]His work and accuracy garnered him the authority and reputation as “most influential and respected map publisher of the first quarter of the nineteenth century
[1] Thomas J. Bassett and Philip W. Porter, “From the best Authorities’:…” 379.
[2] Ibid, 370.
[3] Elizabeth Baigent, “Arrowsmith, Aaron, the elder,” Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004, http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/698?docPos=1.
[4] Thomas J. Bassett and Philip W. Porter, “From the best Authorities’:…” 383.
[5] Ibid.
[6] R.V. Tooley, “Arrowsmith, Aaron,” Collectors’ Guide to Maps of the African Continent and Southern Africa, London: Carta Press, 1969: 8.
