This is a fascinating lot of four separate thematic maps of the continents. Each map identifies the different countries and linguistic divisions, with tables displaying their script, alphabets and spoken languages. Important in the history of thematic mapping, this is one of the first to use color to distinguish areas and subjects on a theme. A Latin key in the lower right of the Africa map describes the colors used to show the habitation of descendants of Ham, Japheth, and Shem after the Flood. The American map depicts California as an island, and oddly includes what appears to be Persian and Indian alphabets in panels to the right. Drawn by Gottfried Hensel and engraved by S. Dorn. Size varies slightly.

References: McLaughlin #229; Robinson, pp 55-56, and 130-132.

Condition: B

Originally issued on the same sheets, these maps have been separated. Each has ample margins and shows light scattered foxing. There is small portion of the Europe map missing, showing linguistic characters, the result of paper weakness caused by a damp stain. A deep extraneous crease runs through the right side of the Asia map.