Illustrations of the Glacier Systems of The Alps and of Glacial Phenomena in General

Edinburgh & London: William Blackwood & Sons, 1854. Map. Lithograph with hand coloring. Image measures 20" x 24".

This beautifully informative thematic map features six maps and diagrams illustrating glaciers and glacial phenomena, specifically in the Alps. It appeared as plate 9 in A. K. Johnston's Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena. Maps include "Glacier Systems of Mont Blanc", "Map of the Snow-field & Glacies of the Bernse Oberland", Map of the Limits of the Erratic Deposit of the Valley of the Rhone", "Sketch of Part of the Mer de Glace of Chamouni", sketches of the glaciars Mage, Allalein, Talefre, and Schonhorn, and "Sketch (truncated) showing the actual elevation of the Snow Line in different latitudes from the Equator to the Poles." Innovative application of tinted lithography is used to further illustrate snow and ice, and erratic deposits. The map is in very good condition, with minor toning at edges, and faint offsetting. Folded as issued.

Alexander Keith Johnston (1804-1871) was a Scottish geographer and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Partnered with his brother William, Johnston maintained a prolific map publishing firm throughout the 19th century. Their output ranged from globes to atlases and wall maps. (Inventory #: 327071)