A map of Kent by Emanuel Bowen derived from the ‘Large English Atlas’ for which he also collaborated. It was published in ‘The General Magazine of Arts and Sciences’ by Benjamin Martin. Bowen was one of the finest engravers of the middle of the eighteenth century. The maps are sometimes attributed to a work entitled ‘The Natural History of England, which is in fact a part of the ‘General Magazine’.

Benjamin Martin (1705-82) was baptised in Surrey and married in Chichester in 1729. Three he became a schoolmaster for a short while before touring the country giving lectures. A self-educated person he spent his life following several enlightenment style subjects of interest and encouraged others through education and publishing. His school background also allied with his desire to encourage learning amongst the masses; his publications were all priced affordably. He also took over the globe making business of James Ferguson and made optical and mathematical instruments.

Reflecting his broad interests in natural philosophy he announced in November 1754 his plan for a General Magazine. The publisher was to be William Owen who was very experienced at part works. It was launched on 1 February 1755 as ‘The General Magazine of Arts and Sciences’ and was issued in parts until 1764. Most of the accompanying text was written by Martin himself. Burgess (2009) 47; Hodson no. 230; Jolly (1990-91) pp. 50-9, 136-55; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).