Egypt and the Nile is the resonant title that crowns J. G. John George Bartholomew’s 1922 vision of the riverine heart of North Africa, created at the Edinburgh Geographical Institute and produced by John Bartholomew & Son, Ltd. Issued for The Times atlas—the unrivalled standard-bearer of accuracy—this second issue of the 1920 edition carries forward a tradition first launched in 1895, yet unmistakably embraces a modern cartographic idiom. An ornate cartouche anchors the composition, while crisp, hierarchical lettering and methodical color organize an immense body of geographical knowledge. The result is a map poised between the late Victorian appetite for grandeur and the early twentieth century’s scientific clarity, distilling Egypt’s physical drama and political realities into a single, authoritative image.

Bartholomew renders the land with hypsometric tints that sweep from the cool greens of the Nile’s fecund ribbon to the sun-burnished ochres of the Western and Eastern Deserts, punctuated by spot heights that pick out escarpments and the austere ridges of Sinai. Bathymetric shading deepens the surrounding seas, revealing continental shelves in the Mediterranean and the narrow trench of the Red Sea. The Nile is followed from the bifurcated Delta and its two great mouths to the cataract country near Aswan, threading past Cairo and Giza before turning through the corridor of antiquity. To the north and east, Alexandria, Port Said, and Suez are set with crystalline precision, and the Suez Canal—with its Bitter Lakes—forms the pivotal artery linking Mediterranean trade to the Indian Ocean.

Maritime and communications history animates the sheet. Finely ruled shipping routes stitch the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, converging upon Port Said and Suez before sweeping down toward the Aden region and beyond to the Indian Ocean world. Along these arcs, measured distances speak to the tempo of steam, charting the age of regular timetables and coaling schedules. Submarine cable pathways, the nervous system of empire and commerce, spear outward from Alexandria into the Levant and Europe, and from Suez toward the Arabian Sea, inscribing the invisible threads that compressed continents into hours. On the river itself, marked steamer tracks attest to Nile navigation, a seasonal choreography negotiating barrages and cataracts to bind Upper and Lower Egypt into a single economic spine.

The political framework is drawn with lucid economy. Clearly labeled boundaries delineate Egypt’s borders and internal divisions, while the long southern frontier with Anglo‑Egyptian Sudan is traced with the cartographic assurance that characterized the period. The Sinai land bridge is set apart by both color and relief, emphasizing its role as hinge between Africa and Asia. Insets focused on Alexandria and its environs amplify the story: breakwaters, harbor basins, railheads, and canalized waterways are articulated to reveal the city’s industrial and maritime reach across the Delta. Urban names constellate along the littoral and within the Delta’s lattice of channels, from the approaches to Port Said to the shoulders of Rosetta and Damietta, mapping a landscape where antiquity and modern infrastructure entwine.

Behind the clarity lies Bartholomew’s mature craft: the refined layer-coloring he championed; the disciplined typography that sorts cities, rivers, and relief at a glance; and the Edinburgh Geographical Institute’s exacting engraving tradition. As a contribution to The Times atlas, it epitomizes the early twentieth century’s shift from heroic exploration to administered connectivity—railways, telegraphs, canals, and standardized sea-lanes—without sacrificing aesthetic grace. Scholars and collectors prize such work for the way it compresses multiple narratives into one intelligible surface: the hydraulics of the Nile, the geopolitics of the Canal Zone, the mesh of submarine cables, and the lived geography of Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Port Said, and Suez. It is a learned, elegant statement of Egypt’s centrality to a newly networked world.

Cities and towns on this map

• Cairo (modern population: ~9 million)
• Alexandria (modern population: ~5 million)
• Giza (modern population: ~2 million)
• Port Said (modern population: ~750,000)
• Suez (modern population: ~750,000)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Hypsometric tints showing elevation changes
• Bathymetric tints denoting underwater depths
• Shipping routes marked across the Nile and surrounding waters
• Submarine cable pathways illustrated
• Spot heights indicating specific elevations
• Inset maps providing additional geographic details of Alexandria and surroundings
• Clearly labeled political boundaries

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker and Publisher: Created by J G John George Bartholomew in 1922; published by the Edinburgh Geographical Institute and produced by John Bartholomew & Son, Ltd.
• Historical Context: This map is part of "The Times" atlas, known for its accuracy and detail. It represents a transition in cartographic style, as it is the second issue of the 1920 edition; the original was released in 1895.
• Topics and Themes: The map illustrates both physical and political features of Egypt and the Nile, focusing on shipping routes, submarine cable pathways, and distances, showcasing maritime navigation history.
• Design and Style: The map includes relief representation through hypsometric tints and spot heights, with bathymetric tints to denote underwater depths. It features a clear and ornate cartouche, typical of Bartholomew's later work.
• Historical Significance: Highlights changes in cartographic practices and map-making techniques during the early 20th century, and serves as an important educational resource for historical research.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.