LE TOUR DU MONDE EN UN CLIN DE OEIL [‘Around the World in a Wink']

Spectacular view of the World with pictorial illustration.

Extra large wooden graved, highly decorative World map, with flags of major nations ,views ,costumes ,economic information - local products [Opium in China for example] , recent explorations - mostly in Africa and the Arctic, some railroads, plants and animals, famous antiques and nature sites, etc.

At the base of the map a large key with around 100 entries.At the top of the world a small cross with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega...

Issued as supplement to 'Le Monde Illustré' ,January 1st 1876.

Although the map was issued in a large Quantity, it's rarely found. - Because of its large size, its thin fragile paper and use as decoration in the time of issue [like most wall maps].

At the base of the map a large key with around 100 entries.

Note: Pictorial view of the world. Originally issued uncolored, color was added later. 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 artefacts, 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 labelled 'Mer Libre?' No doubt this is a nod to hopes that a Northwest Passage might still exist. [Seems mostly to have been achieved now through the relentless work of humanity!] Union Pacific and Trans-Atlantic shipping lanes are noted. The achievements of various explorers are noted in both Africa and the Arctic.

The map tells a non-linear story and invites readers to explore the different parts of the world. It’s also an example of innovation and ingenuity in cartography since the map includes what appear to be photographs yet this was published in a time when photographic reproduction in print wasn’t technically possible. Instead, the solution was to create a wood-engraved version of the images in such detail that they take on the appearance of a photograph.