Octobre. Océan Atlantique Nord / Cartes Mensuelles de la Direction des Vents

• Main Authors: Brault, Louis-Deìsireì-Leìon (1839 - 1885), DÉPÔT DES CARTES ET PLANS DE LA MARINE (FRENCH NAVY)
• Format: Map
• Language: unknown
• Published: Lemercier & Cie. / Dépôt de la Marine 1885
• Subjects: Data Visualization; Weather; Oceans; Seas; Transportation; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~352865~90120119; https://media.davidrumsey.com/MediaManager/srvr?mediafile=/Size4/RUMSEY~8~1/205/15646013.jpg

Date estimated. "Folio (55 x 38 cm): containing 14 maps, of which 2 are printed on thick white wove paper (each 55 cm x 72), published by Lemercier & Cie., and 12 are printed on thick laid paper bearing the ‘Dépôt de la Marine’ watermark (each 52 x 72 cm), some maps with neat contemporary mss. annotations suggesting use at sea, all maps folding loose-leaf into original marbled card portfolio with original linen ties and detailing and printed pastedown title label to front cover (Very Good, overall quite pleasing, some light wear along original vertical centrefolds, some maps a bit frayed around the edges with slight loss to blank margins, the odd small light stain, card portfolio with light wear). Exceedingly rare – the most sophisticated and accurate maritime anemological atlas of the 19th century, charting the wind patterns at points throughout the North Atlantic Ocean, by Captain Leìon Brault, head of the French Navy’s meteorological department, featuring 14 large format maps, including two sheets of seasonal overview / isometric charts and 12 monthly charts featuring Brault’s signature ultra-sophisticated wind roses that meticulously convey a wealth of data from each sector of the sea – a major milestone in both the history of thematic cartography and meteorology. During the age of sailing ships, vessels were at the complete mercy of the sea, and a captain’s job was mitigating the ocean’s rage and harnessing its winds as best as possible. Travel times were a matter of chance as much as the skill of the crew, and the best that could be expected was a safe voyage. During the age of steam ships, which had its heyday in the second half of the 19th century, vessels sought to conquer the elements, following more direct routes, even if that meant heading against the winds. Captains were expected to follow strict schedules, whether they oversaw a navy vessel seeking to rendezvous with a fleet, or a commercial ship carrying passengers or freight. Shipping companies that could hew close to schedule were rewarded ...