1862 Comparative World Mountains & Rivers Map

51" x 36" World Mountains & Rivers Comparative Map from Johnson & Ward's 1862 World Atlas. 

For a brief time in the mid-1800s, the science of 'comparative geography' was all the rage. Carl Ritter published a treatise of the subject in 1865, and dozens of cartographers included maps and charts in world atlases stacking up the various geographic features of the earth to compete against each other. Though sometimes less than perfectly accurate (remember this was nearly 200 years ago), these maps are nonetheless a really fun, fascinating and unconventional means of studying world geography. And viewing them, you almost can't help but to get into the competitive spirit (hooray, Mississippi River! Way to edge out the Amazon!... but might want to Google that one before using it for your answer in Geography Class).

We especially like this comparative map of Mountains & Rivers from Johnson & Ward's 1862 World Atlas; it is jampacked with details, the artwork is fun and whimsical, and it features mountains, mountain passes, mountain lakes, mountain plateaus, and world rivers and tributaries to boot! 

The map is printed on Arches BFK Rives 100% Cotton Rag paper, handmade at the Blanchet Frères & Kléber paper mill in Rives, France on a traditional cylinder paper mould. The subtle pattern of the paper fibers is visible in oblique lighting, and lends a rich and handsome appearance to the whole map. You can study this map for years and still find new details. Just... like we said... check the facts. A great conversation piece. 

* NOTE: This is a carefully crafted print of the highest quality, but it is not the original work.

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