Old Map of Longest Rivers in the World by Smith, 1817: Comparative Lengths, Missouri, Nile, Amazon, etc.

Step into the world of early 19th-century geographical exploration with this exquisite "Comparative View of the Lengths of the Principal Rivers in the World," crafted by the renowned mapmaker C. Smith in 1817. This beautifully colored thematic map offers a fascinating comparative analysis of the world's major rivers, meticulously straightened to showcase their lengths. The map's unique design and detailed illustrations provide an insightful glimpse into the geographical knowledge and exploration achievements of the time, making it a captivating piece for any map enthusiast or history aficionado.

The map features a comprehensive table listing the lengths of the rivers in British miles, accompanied by textual descriptions that offer deeper insights into each river's course and significance. Notably, the Missouri River is highlighted with a detailed account of its exploration by Lewis and Clark, emphasizing its "extremely devious" path. This historical context not only adds depth to the map but also underscores the importance of river navigation and exploration during this period.

One of the most striking elements of this map is its use of color and design to enhance the visual appeal and clarity of the information presented. The rivers are color-coded and straightened, with small north-pointing arrows indicating the direction of flow. This innovative approach allows for easy comparison of river lengths and provides a clear and engaging visual representation of the data. The map's elegant design and attention to detail make it a true work of art.

C. Smith, the mapmaker, was a prominent figure in early 19th-century cartography, known for his detailed and informative maps. His work reflects a deep understanding of geography and a commitment to accuracy and clarity. This map is a testament to his skill and dedication, offering a unique perspective on the world's principal rivers and their significance in global geography.

This map is not just a geographical tool but a historical document that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery that defined the early 19th century. It provides a comparative understanding of river lengths across different continents, including North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The map's educational value and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any collection, offering a window into the past and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Places on this map

• Missouri River
• Amazon River
• Nile River
• Mississippi River
• Yangtze River
• Danube River
• Ganges River
• Volga River
• Rhine River
• Thames River
• Orinoco River
• Euphrates River
• Indus River
• Niger River
• Don River
• Tigris River
• Dnieper River
• Loire River
• Elbe River
• Seine River
• Tagus River
• Vistula River
• Po River
• Weser River
• Guadiana River
• Ebro River
• Rhone River
• Dniester River
• Douro River

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Comparative lengths of the world's principal rivers.
• Direction of river flow indicated by small north-pointing arrows.
• Lengths of rivers in British miles.
• Detailed textual descriptions accompanying the illustration.
• Mention of the Missouri River's exploration by Lewis and Clark.
• Rivers from various continents including North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
• Straightened rivers for comparative purposes.
• Color-coded rivers to enhance visual appeal.
• Comprehensive table listing the lengths of the rivers.
• Early 19th-century understanding of world geography.
• Educational value in providing a comparative understanding of river lengths.
• Insight into the geographical knowledge and exploration achievements of the early 1800s.

Historical and design context

• Created by C. Smith in 1817, a notable mapmaker of the early 19th century.
• Reflects early 19th-century geographical knowledge and exploration.
• Highlights the importance of river navigation and exploration during this period.
• Infographic thematic map showcasing comparative analysis.
• Rivers are straightened to indicate their lengths.
• Use of color and design to enhance visual appeal and clarity.
• Compass orientation of the flowing stream indicated by small north-pointing arrows.
• Detailed textual descriptions provide deeper insights into each river's course and significance.
• Historical context of the Missouri River's exploration by Lewis and Clark.
• Offers a unique perspective on the world's principal rivers and their significance in global geography.
• Provides a window into the past and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.