A Chart of the South Part of Sumatra and of the Straits of Sunda and Banca, published in 1794 by Laurie & Whittle in London, provides a comprehensive maritime view of southern Sumatra, western Java, and surrounding islands, enhancing its precision with an expansive inset detailing the Straits of Sunda. This chart not only epitomizes the cartographic detail of its era but also underscores the navigational complexities surrounding the islands and straits, evidenced by the intensive soundings, sailing channels, and profile views.
In the late 18th century, the Sunda Strait, a vital waterway separating the islands of Java and Sumatra in present-day Indonesia, held considerable geopolitical significance. The strait formed a critical passage linking the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, thereby acting as a nexus for east-west maritime trade routes. European colonial powers, especially the British and the Dutch, had burgeoning economic interests in the East Indies, and controlling or accessing the Sunda Strait meant having a strategic advantage in navigation, commerce, and territorial influence. The spice trade, which had propelled European exploration and colonization in the region, was still influential, and the strait became a focal point for maritime endeavors, including trade in spices, textiles, and other valuable commodities. Moreover, the strait's importance was magnified due to its proximity to other strategic passages, like the Straits of Malacca. Consequently, maritime charts of the Sunda Strait, detailing its navigational intricacies, became invaluable assets, reflecting the broader geopolitical contest in the region.
Robert Laurie (ca. 1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) formed their Fleet Street, London-based firm upon the 1794 death of their employer Robert Sayer, himself one of the dominant print and mapmakers of the last half of the 18th century.
Laurie & Whittle started managing Sayer's business as early as 1787. They took over all managerial duties when Sayer's health flagged in 1792, and they changed the imprint in 1794 upon his death. Sayer left the two a 21-year lease on the shop (at £100 a year) and on Sayer's Bolt Court premises, as well as an option to acquire stock and equipment at a preferential price of £5,000 payable over three years.
Robert Laurie retired from the firm in 1812, and his role was assumed by his son, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). The younger Laurie worked with James Whittle until the latter died in 1818. After R. H. Laurie died in 1858, Alexander George Findlay, FRGS (1812-1875) purchased the firm from his daughters. The firm continues today under another name, specializing in yachting charts.
Laurie & Whittle were prolific print and map publishers, and throughout their careers, they produced numerous very important and rare works. They carried on Robert Sayer's atlas business and were responsible for editions of The Complete East-India Pilot and The American Atlas.
A Chart of the South Part of Sumatra and of the Straits of Sunda and Banaka, iliyochapishwa mwaka 1794 na Laurie & Whittle, London, hutoa picha kamili ya bahari ya kusini mwa Sumatra, Java Magharibi, na visiwa vya jirani, na kuongeza usahihi wake kwa kuweka maelezo ya kina ya Mlango-Bahari wa Sunda. Chati hii haionyeshi tu maelezo ya ramani ya enzi yake, lakini pia inasisitiza utata wa usafiri unaozunguka visiwa na vijito, unaothibitishwa na sauti nyingi, njia za kuendesha meli, na maoni ya wasifu. Katika karne ya 18, Mlango-Bahari wa Sunda, njia muhimu ya maji iliyotenganisha visiwa vya Java na Sumatra katika Indonesia ya leo, ilikuwa na umuhimu mkubwa wa kijiografia. Mlango-Bahari huo uliunganisha Bahari ya Hindi na Bahari ya Kusini ya China, na hivyo kuwa kiunganishi cha njia za biashara za baharini za mashariki-magharibi. Kwa sababu ya nguvu za kikoloni za Ulaya, hasa Uingereza na Uholanzi, zilikuwa na maslahi ya kiuchumi katika India Mashariki, na kudhibiti au kupata Mlango-Bahari wa Sunda kulimaanisha kuwa na faida ya kimkakati katika usafiri, biashara, na ushawishi wa eneo. Biashara ya vikolezo, ambayo ilisababisha uvumbuzi na ukoloni wa Ulaya katika eneo hilo, bado ilikuwa na uvutano, na mfereji huo ukawa kituo kikuu cha shughuli za baharini, kutia ndani biashara ya vikolezo, nguo, na bidhaa nyingine zenye thamani. Isitoshe, umuhimu wa Mlango-Bahari huo uliongezeka kwa sababu ya kuwa karibu na njia nyingine za kimkakati, kama vile Mlango-Bahari wa Malacca. Kwa hiyo, ramani za baharini za Mlango-Bahari wa Sunda, ambazo zilionyesha kwa undani mambo magumu ya usafiri, zikawa hazina zenye thamani, zikionyesha ushindani mkubwa wa kijiografia na kisiasa katika eneo hilo. Robert Laurie (mw. "Wakati huo, James Whittle (1757-1818) na Robert Sayer (1755-1818) walianzisha kampuni yao ya Fleet Street, London, baada ya kifo cha mwajiri wao Robert Sayer (1794), ambaye alikuwa mmoja wa waandishi wa ramani na waandishi wa ramani wa nusu ya mwisho ya karne ya 18.""" Laurie & Whittle ilianza kusimamia biashara ya Sayer mapema kama 1787. Alianza kazi yake ya kuongoza wakati afya ya Sayer ilipozorota mwaka wa 1792 na alibadilisha jina lake baada ya kifo chake. Sayer aliwaachia makampuni hayo mkataba wa kukodisha kwa miaka 21 kwenye duka hilo (kwa £100 kwa mwaka) na kwenye uwanja wa Sayer's Bolt Court, pamoja na chaguo la kununua hisa na vifaa kwa bei ya kipekee ya £5,000 inayolipwa kwa miaka mitatu. Robert Laurie alijiuzulu katika kampuni hiyo mwaka wa 1812 na jukumu lake lilichukuliwa na mwanawe, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). Laurie mdogo alifanya kazi na James Whittle hadi mwisho alikufa katika 1818. Baada ya kifo cha R. H. Laurie mwaka 1858 Alexander George Findlay, FRGS (1812-1875) alinunua kampuni kutoka kwa binti zake. Kampuni hiyo inaendelea leo chini ya jina jingine, maalumu katika chati ya yachting. Laurie & Whittle walikuwa wachapishaji wa kuchapisha na ramani, na katika kazi zao zote, walitengeneza kazi nyingi muhimu na nadra. Waliendelea na biashara ya Robert Sayer ya atlas na walikuwa na daraka la kuchapisha The Complete East-India Pilot na The American Atlas.