Eastern Hemisphere / Western Hemisphere

London: Tallis, J & F., 1851. unbound. J. Rapkin. Set of two maps. Steel engraving with hand coloring. Image measures 9.75" x 13".

Beautiful world map in two sheets of the western and eastern hemispheres with a highly decorative border featuring twelve vignettes with illustrations of native fauna and peoples. The western hemisphere map shows North and South America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans - including the Azores and Cape Verde islands, and the South Seas. The eastern hemisphere map shows Africa, Europe Asia, and Australia. A blue line represents a mail route, connecting England to Bombay, Singapore, Australia, and Canton. (truncated) Both maps were drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin, and the illustrations are by H. Warren, engraved by J. Rogers. Some chips to margins but otherwise in very good condition.

John Tallis Jr. (1817-1876) was a London born bookseller who continued the prolific map publishing company started by his father. After a partnership with his brother, Tallis Jr. expanded the business to New York in 1849 as well as Boston, Cincinnati, Rochester, Philadelphia and Baltimore. He is remembered as one of the last decorative map makers. (Inventory #: 327852)