1902 Pearson's Cyclist's and Traveller's Distinct Road Map of New South Wales

Description

Folding Maps, Illustrated, Very Scarce

Joseph Pearson was a draper, cyclist and map publisher who compiled and published a series of road maps and guides that became the swiftly became the standard works for cyclist's and travellers in Australia. Pearson first became intensely interested in cycling after visiting Europe and England in 1882, and in that year joined his local 'Wanderers'', a Sydney bicycle club noted for its extensive touring. Within the club, Pearson began to train more frequently and soon won a Sydney-Parramatta road race on an imported penny-farthing, and in 1887 also rode a solid-tyred model to Melbourne, covering as many as 70 miles a day. Inspired by touring across Britain and the Continent in 1893, Pearson vowed to persuade his fellow cyclists 'to take an occasional tour in the country … to get into our wide spaces', resulting in the publication of his numerous guides and road maps to 'New South Wales', including this text. This map was printed by the Australian printing company 'J. Sands', founded by the notable Australian engraver, printer, and stationer John Sands. Containing a large linen-backed cloth with numerous printed advertisements to the verso. Featuring a printed dedication to 'his Excellency Sir Harry Holdsworth Rawson', the Governor of New South Wales