Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 457

"Illustrations of the Glacier Systems of the Alps and of Glacial Phenomena in General…", Johnston, W. & A.K.

Subject: Western Europe, Alps

Period: 1854 (dated)

Publication: The Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena

Color: Printed Color

Size:
23.3 x 18.8 inches
59.2 x 47.8 cm
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This interesting sheet contains 6 maps and diagrams depicting Alpine glacier systems including Mont Blanc and Chamonix in France and the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. The chart features an interesting illustration of the snow line for mountains at various latitudes spanning from Antarctica to Norway. Based upon the surveys and sketches of Professor Forbes.

Keith Johnson worked in conjunction with German Heinrich Berghaus to produce the Physical Atlas, the first truly comprehensive thematic atlas. The maps from this atlas made a huge impact on cartography in general and specifically on the graphic portrayal of geographical data.

This example has the small stamp of the Wakefield Mechanics Institution. Established during the Industrial Revolution, the Mechanics Institution movement in Britain intended to provide adult education for the working man. At a time when most libraries were available only to subscribers, the Mechanics Institutions frequently became the libraries of the working class. Formed in 1841, the Wakefield Mechanics Institution was dissolved in 1935 and its library dispersed.

References: Phillips (Atlases) #229.

Condition: B+

Clean and bright with light toning along the edges of the sheet. There is a "Wakefield Mechanics Institution " stamp on both recto and verso.

Estimate: $160 - $190

Sold for: $80

Closed on 9/13/2023

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