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1892 Rand McNally Map of the World on Mercator's Projection

WorldMercator-randmcnally-1895
$62.50
Map of The World on Mercator's Projection.  Showing the Direction of the Ocean Currents. - Main View
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1892 Rand McNally Map of the World on Mercator's Projection

WorldMercator-randmcnally-1895


Title


Map of The World on Mercator's Projection. Showing the Direction of the Ocean Currents.
  1892 (dated)     20.5 x 27 in (52.07 x 68.58 cm)

Description


This is a beautiful example of Rand McNally and Company's 1892 map of the World on Mercator's projection. Depicts the entire world centered on North and South America and offers a fascinating snapshot of the world during a period of rapid globalization and discovery. The Antarctic exploration was still in its infancy, though parts of the Antarctic coast line are noted to the south of Australia and off the coast of Tierra del Fuego. Vast stretches of unmapped territory and speculative cartography fill central Asia, South America, Canada, Africa and Australia. Throughout several ocean currents are mapped and routes noted. Color coded according to countries and regions, the map identifies numerous cities, as well as noting various rivers, mountains and other topographical details. Relief shown by hachure. This map was issued as plate nos. 10 and 11 in the 1895 issue of Rand McNally and Company's Indexed Atlas of the World - possibly the finest atlas Rand McNally ever issued.

Cartographer


Rand, McNally and Co. (fl. 1856 - present) is an American publisher of maps, atlases and globes. The company was founded in 1856 when William H. Rand, a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, opened a print shop in Chicago. Rand hired the recent Irish immigrant Andrew McNally to assist in the shop giving him a wage of 9 USD per week. The duo landed several important contracts, including the Tribune's (later renamed the Chicago Tribune) printing operation. In 1872, Rand McNally produced its first map, a railroad guide, using a new cost effective printing technique known as wax process engraving. As Chicago developed as a railway hub, the Rand firm, now incorporated as Rand McNally, began producing a wide array of railroad maps and guides. Over time, the firm expanded into atlases, globes, educational material, and general literature. By embracing the wax engraving process, Rand McNally was able to dominate the map and atlas market, pushing more traditional American lithographic publishers like Colton, Johnson, and Mitchell out of business. Eventually Rand McNally opened an annex office in New York City headed by Caleb S. Hammond, whose name is today synonymous with maps and atlases, and who later started his own map company, C. S. Hammond & Co. Both firms remain in business. More by this mapmaker...

Source


Rand McNally & Co., Foreign Countries. Rand, McNally & Co's Indexed Atlas of the World (Complete in Two Volumes)…, (Chicago) 1895.    

Condition


Very good. Minor wear along original centerfold. Verso repair near bottom margin. Map of northern Hemisphere and other comparative charts on verso.

References


Rumsey 3565.002 (1897 edition). Philip (atlases) 1026 (1898 edition).