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"A Tour of the World in the Blink of an Eye."
Fantastic large format representing, among other things, the incredible diversity of the peoples of the world in the latter half of the 19th century.
The map features an unusual and compelling composition, with a trompe l'oeil globe framed by dramatic scenes of natural disasters and exploration, as well as dozens of figures from all over the world lining the bottom of the image.
As noted by David Rumsey (8030):
[The] map is projected as a view from space and details the world roughly from the Equator to the North Pole and from California to India. Flora, fauna, historic events, cultural artifacts, and indigenous people are represented pictorially. The Sargasso Sea is illustrated in the middle of the Atlantic.
Includes inset views illustrate places and moments of special interest including mirages in the Pacific, a ship burning at sea, Niagara Falls, Chicago, oil wells, gold mining, Hindu cremation, Chinese Junks, Tuareg warriors, an avalanche, etc. also includes lists of the nations and maritime flags. Shows sketches of some 79 individuals in 'traditional costumes'.
To either side of the main view are flags of major nations, sailing ships, volcanoes, and other imagery. Include an ice free polar sea north of Greenland labeled 'Mer Libre?' No doubt this is a nod to hopes that a Northwest Passage might still exist. Union Pacific and Trans-Atlantic shipping lanes are noted. The achievements of various explorers are noted in both Africa and the Arctic.
States of the Map
There are two versions of the map. The first, issued January 1, 1876, includes a title. The second, published January 22, 1876, lacks the title.
The map appeared as a supplement to the January 1876 Le Monde Illustre.
![Western Hemisphere [and] Eastern Hemisphere](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/77831.jpg)
![[ Scandinavian Airlines and Northwest Airlines Route Map ] make your business trip a dream trip . . .](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/101758.jpg)