Loading Library Hours...

Antiquarian Maps

Quick Link

History of Cartography

Antiquarian maps in the UIUC Library can be found in the Map Library, the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections Library, and the Rare Book and Manuscript Library. The scope of each library’s holdings is defined geographically and chronologically: Map Library — world coverage, after 1800; Illinois History and Lincoln Collections Library — Illinois and the upper Midwest, generally 1700 though the mid-20th century; Rare Book and Manuscript Library — world coverage, 19th century and before.

Although the Map Library does not have original maps published before the nineteenth century it does include facsimiles of early maps and atlases in its collections. Additionally, images of early cartographic items can be found in compilation volumes.

Members of the Map Library staff cannot provide estimates of monetary value for cartographic materials.

Libraries with Extensive Collections of Antiquarian Maps (highly selective)

Library of Congress Geography and Map Division
Harvard Map Collection
American Geographical Society Collection, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
British Library
Yale University

Antiquarian Map Dealers in the US (highly selective)

For informational purposes only. Inclusion of a specific dealer or source should not be construed as an endorsement of the products available or the companies selling them.

List of Antiquarian Map Dealers
From MapRecord Publications

Larger Map Dealer Sites
From Map History/History of Cartography: THE Gateway to the Subject

Arader Galleries
Art Source International (reproductions)
Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps
Boston Rare Maps
Curtis Wright Maps
Daniel Crouch Rare Books
Geographicus Rare Antique Maps
High Ridge Books
Martayan Lan Antique Maps and Rare Books
Murray Hudson–Antique Maps, Globes, Books & Prints
Neatline Maps