A Cartographer of Empire: The World According to Thomas Jeffreys Thomas Jeffreys, a name perhaps less celebrated than his contemporaries yet pivotal in shaping the visual understanding of the 18th-century world, was born in London in 1719. He entered an era brimming with exploration, colonial ambition, and a burgeoning demand for accurate geographical representation. While details of his early life remain somewhat elusive, it is known that he established himself as a mapmaker and engraver, quickly gaining recognition for the quality and artistry of his work. Jeffreys wasn’t merely copying ex…