Perthes in Conversation: August Petermann and the Cartography of the Russian Empire

The focus is on August Petermann (1822–1878), editor of the “Mitteilungen aus Justus Perthes’ geographischer Anstalt” (Communications from Justus Perthes’ Geographical Institute), and his keen interest in the cartography of the Russian Empire. Dr Erki Tammiksaar will outline Petermann’s efforts to establish a network of Russian correspondents and pay tribute to Petermann’s associated cartographic achievements in the field of Russian cartography.

By the time the first issue of the “Mitteilungen” appeared in February 1855, Petermann already had at his disposal a wide-ranging network of German, French and British geographers and naturalists, which ensured the enormous cartographic innovation of his journal. In the years that followed, Petermann – who did not speak Russian himself – systematically extended this network to include Russia and appointed an employee at the Gotha editorial office who was fluent in Russian. The lifting of the ban on the distribution abroad of maps from the Military Topographical Depot of the Russian Empire in 1857 proved particularly beneficial to Petermann’s endeavours. From the early 1860s onwards, the “Mitteilungen” thus published, with great frequency and regularity, new and insightful maps of Russian regions, particularly the Tien Shan, the Arctic regions, Eastern Siberia, the Amur region and the orography of the European part of Russia.

Following the lecture, the Research Library invites attendees to engage in further discussion with Dr Erki Tammisskar whilst viewing a selection of Petermann’s maps. A small reception hosted by the Friends of the Gotha Research Library will bring the evening to a close. 

You can also attend this event online at https://uni-erfurt.webex.com/uni-erfurt/j.php?MTID=m3774cb08367de6caf0736f79dfda0f93.