Atlas von Nordamerika, published in 1854, stands as a primary achievement in the career of the Prussian cartographer Henry Lange. Born in 1821 in Szczecin, he spent his professional life mapping geographical data across Europe. His work bridged the gap between raw exploration and the systematic documentation required for nineteenth-century academic geography and administrative statistics.
Early Career and Education
Lange began his professional trajectory by working with the cartographer Berghaus. He subsequently spent three years in Edinburgh contributing to Alexander Keith Johnston's Physical Atlas. By 1847, he returned to Berlin to undertake formal studies under the guidance of Carl Ritter and the physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove, deepening his expertise in geography and atmospheric science.
Publishing and Professional Appointments
In 1855, Lange joined the firm of Brockhaus, assuming the role of head of their geographical department. He departed the firm in 1860. Later, in 1868, he accepted a position as an inspector within the Berlin Statistical Bureau, where he applied his cartographic skills to state administrative requirements.
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Throughout his career, Lange produced specialized mapping projects. His output included the second edition of the Land und Seekarte des Mittelländischen Meers in 1870. His interest in regional documentation was further evidenced by the publication of Südbrasilien, which detailed the provinces of São Pedro do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catharina, and Paraná. This work included three distinct maps alongside 26 illustrations and photographs, reaching its second edition by 1885.
Professional Honors and Legacy
Lange received recognition for his contributions to the field of geography, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Jena and the Order of the Red Eagle 4th Class. His influence extended into physical geography as well; Lange Island and its southwestern extremity, Lange Point, located in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, bear his name. He died in Berlin in 1893 at the age of 72.
Fast facts
- Born: 1821, Szczecin
- Died: 1893, Berlin
- Nationality: Kingdom of Prussia
- Occupations: Writer, geographer, cartographer, producer
- Academic degree: Doctorate
- Awards: Honorary doctor of the University of Jena; Order of the Red Eagle 4th Class
- Works: Atlas von Nordamerika (1854), Brockhaus' Reiseatlas (1858–73)
- Languages: German
Questions readers ask
Where did Henry Lange receive his geographical training?
He studied under Carl Ritter and Heinrich Wilhelm Dove in Berlin beginning in 1847.
What governmental role did he hold in Berlin?
In 1868, he became an inspector at the Berlin Statistical Bureau.
Are there geographical locations named after him?
Yes, Lange Island and Lange Point in the Svalbard archipelago are named in his honor.
Achievements
- Order of the Red Eagle 4th Class
- honorary doctor of the University of Jena
- Recorded as cartographer, writer and geographer
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