This large map is a superb example of thematic mapping with various colors and diagrams used to illustrate the distribution of plants throughout the world. A chart at top, Outlines of Botanical Geography..., provides a graphic display of the type of indigenous vegetation in the major mountain regions of the world. At bottom is a map of the world with the distribution of plants depicted through the use of color. This handsome chart is from the English version of Heinrich Berghaus' Physikalischer Atlas, which resulted in the first truly comprehensive thematic atlas. It is a very early example of printed color, the development of which made a huge impact on cartography in general and specifically the graphic portrayal of geographical data on thematic maps.

References: Phillips (A) #225; Robinson, pp. 64-67.

Condition: A

All edges gilt on thick paper with faint offsetting and a barely noticeable abrasion near the border at bottom that does not affect the map image.