Map of Japan.
1892 (dated) 20 x 27 in (50.8 x 68.58 cm)
This is a beautiful example of Rand McNally and Company's 1892 map of Japan. Divided into two parts, the first focusing on the southern islands of Japan (here identified as Nippon), while the second details ezo (Yesso), that is northern Japan including Hokkaido. Three insets include an outline map of Japan, the Ryuku Islands, and the South extension of Osumi Province and the Taka and Matsu Islands. This period in Japan, part of the Meiji Reign, witnessed Japan's transformation from a feudalistic society into a modernized nation. In 1894, the First Sino-Japanese War (August 1. 1894 - April 17, 1895) would be fought between Qing Dynasty China and Meiji Japan over the control of Korea and Taiwan (Formosa). Japan would go on to win both this and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 to gain control over Korea, Taiwan and the southern half of Sakhalin. Color coded according to region, this map identifies numerous cities and towns, as well as notating rivers, mountains and various other topographical details. Telief shown by hachure. This map was issued as plate nos. 130 and 131 in the 1895 issue of Rand McNally and Company's Indexed Atlas of the World - possibly the finest atlas Rand McNally ever issued.
Rand McNally (fl. 1856 - present) is an American publisher of maps, atlases and globes. The company was founded in 1856 when William H. Rand, a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, opened a print shop in Chicago. Rand hired the recent Irish immigrant Andrew McNally to assist in the shop giving him a wage of 9 USD per week. The duo landed several important contracts, including the Tribune's (later renamed the Chicago Tribune) printing operation. In 1872 Rand McNally produced its first map, a railroad guide, using new cost effective printing technique known as wax process engraving. As the Chicago developed as a railway hub the Rand firm, now incorporated as Rand McNally, began producing a wide array of maps and guides. Over time the firm expanded into atlases, globes, education books, and general literature. By embracing the cost effective wax engraving process Rand McNally was able to dominate the map and atlas market, pushing more traditional American lithographic publishers like Colton, Johnson, and Mitchell out of business. Eventually Rand McNally opened an annex office in New York City headed by Caleb S. Hammond, whose name is today synonymous with maps and atlases, and who later started his own map company, C. S. Hammond & Co. Both firms remain in business.
Rand McNally & Co., Foreign Countries. Rand, McNally & Co's Indexed Atlas of the World (Complete in Two Volumes)…, (Chicago) 1895.
Very good. Original centerfold. Text on verso.
Rumsey 3565.034 (1897 edition). Philip (atlases) 1026 (1898 edition).