Set of chromolithographic maps of France and colonies, published in Paris by Imp. Ad. Mertens, circa 1890. Set contains 88 cards, each 9 x 12 cm. Cards contain political maps showing the boundaries for departments in France, as well as French colonies around the world. "Départements" are the second-tier administrative subdivisions of France, below the regions. The cards contain a total of 95 maps: 80 cards have a single map of one department; 8 cards have maps of French colonies, some with multiple maps, each representing a different colony. Maps show political boundaries, cities, routes, topography, coastlines and drainage. Relief shown with hachures. Maps appear on illustrations of unfurled scrolls, surrounded by scenery from the corresponding area, including terrain, water, flora, fauna, architecture and items of cultural significance. Maps of colonies also include indigenous figures in traditional dress. Chromolithographs feature glimmering gilded details. The verso of each card has identical text - an advertisement for the printer, beginning: Le fil géographique : 40 millions de pelotes par an très lisse, très fort, aussi brillant que la soie ... [= Geographical thread : 40 million spools per year, very smooth, very strong, as shiny as silk ... ]. (Date estimated.) Library has 6 examples from an earlier edition, see 8728.000
pub_note
Set of chromolithographic maps of France and colonies, published in Paris by Imp. Ad. Mertens, circa 1890. Set contains 88 cards, each 9 x 12 cm. Cards contain political maps showing the boundaries for departments in France, as well as French colonies around the world. "Départements" are the second-tier administrative subdivisions of France, below the regions. The cards contain a total of 95 maps: 80 cards have a single map of one department; 8 cards have maps of French colonies, some with multiple maps, each representing a different colony. Maps show political boundaries, cities, routes, topography, coastlines and drainage. Relief shown with hachures. Maps appear on illustrations of unfurled scrolls, surrounded by scenery from the corresponding area, including terrain, water, flora, fauna, architecture and items of cultural significance. Maps of colonies also include indigenous figures in traditional dress. Chromolithographs feature glimmering gilded details. The verso of each card has identical text - an advertisement for the printer, beginning: Le fil géographique : 40 millions de pelotes par an très lisse, très fort, aussi brillant que la soie ... [= Geographical thread : 40 million spools per year, very smooth, very strong, as shiny as silk ... ]. (Date estimated.) Library has 6 examples from an earlier edition, see 8728.000
Pub Note
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