COLLECTION NAME:
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection
Record
Author:
Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804)
Date:
1765
Short Title:
A Continuation of the Chart according to the Hebrew Chronology...
Publisher:
J. Johnson
Publisher Location:
London
Type:
Diagram
Obj Height cm:
12
Obj Width cm:
23
Note:
A copy of the 1807 edition of the Description is attached. For the full test of the description see https://www.google.…
Subject:
Data Visualization
Subject:
Historical
Full Title:
A Continuation of the Chart according to the Hebrew Chronology...
List No:
15812.006
Series No:
6
Publication Author:
Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804)
Pub Date:
1765
Pub Title:
A Chart of Biography
Pub Note:
"First edition of Priestley's vast visual presentation of historical personages, charting over 2,000 individuals from 1200 BCE to 1800 CE. "Joseph Priestley's 1765 Chart of Biography was one of the most consequential information graphics of the eighteenth century. A marvel of clarity and efficiency, it was also a strikingly new kind of visual design, carrying messages about both history and method" (University of Oregon, "The Time Charts of Joseph Priestley", accessible online). Priestley's chronological chart was the inspiration for William Playfair's bar chart. Priestley produced the chart to supplement his teaching of history at the Warrington Academy. The emphasis of the chart was a systematic, scientific approach to history. He later produced a further New Chart of History ( 1769) and accompanying descriptive books to supplement the charts. "These graphic time line representations of the span of life of major historical figures or of empires were popular for the rest of the century in England and the United States, and the Descriptions, at least, went through several editions. The time line form of biography was adopted, with acknowledgement to Priestley as late as 1853" (ODNB). With the bookplate to the front cover of Thomas de Grey, 2nd Baron Walsingham (1748-1818). Walsingham concluded his education at Eton in 1765, was afterwards educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and may have used the chart for his studies. He later had an important role in the British state, serving as Groom of the Bedchamber to King George Ill (1771-77), Lord of Trade (1777-81), Under-Secretary of State for the American department (1778-80), Vice-Treasurer of Ireland (1784-87), and joint Postmaster General (1787-94). Offered with the chart is a copy of the 1807 Description of a Chart of Biography ... , uncut in contemporary blue paper wrappers, with two folding charts." (Peter Harrington, 2023)
Pub List No:
15812.000
Pub Type:
Diagram
Pub Height cm:
24
Pub Width cm:
16
Image No:
15812006.jp2
Authors:
Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804)
