Malte-Brun, Conrad (August 12, 1755 - December 14, 1826)

Conrad Malte-Brun, born Malthe Conrad Bruun in 1775 in Thisted, Denmark, was a prominent geographer and cartographer. He later adopted the French version of his name, Conrad Malte-Brun, after settling in France. In his early years, he studied law and literature in Copenhagen, Denmark. Malte-Brun's interest in geography led him to publish several works on the subject, and he became known for his contributions to geographical knowledge. In 1801, he fled to Sweden due to political unrest in Denmark and eventually settled in Paris in 1802. There, he became a naturalized French citizen and continued his work in geography. In 1810, Malte-Brun co-founded the influential geographical society, the Société de Géographie, in Paris. He served as its secretary for many years and played a crucial role in promoting geographical exploration and research. Malte-Brun also edited the society's journal, "La Gloire du Roi" (The Glory of the King), which later became "La Géographie." One of his most significant contributions is the production of detailed maps and atlases, including "Atlas Complet du Précis de la Géographie Universelle," a comprehensive atlas of world geography. Malte-Brun's work significantly influenced the development of modern cartography. Conrad Malte-Brun passed away in 1826, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of geography and cartography.