“ALEPH“ HARVEY WILLIAM HENRY
Prussia
Date: London,Hodder and Stoughton ,1868 about
Cod 35212
Matter: geography
500,00 €
Chromolithograph, 205x240 mm. Taken from William Henry “Aleph” Harvey’s work titled “Geographical Fun: Being Humorous Outlines of Various Countries...”.
The work was published by Hodder and Stoughton around 1868 in London. The anthropomorphic maps were drawn by Lilian (Eliza Jane) Lancaster. It contains 12 anthropomorphic maps (humorous drawings that transform countries into human figures) accompanied by rhyming quatrains.
The introduction states that this is the work of a “young lady… aged fifteen… who sought to amuse a brother confined to bed by illness.” The introduction and the verses included among the maps were written by William Harvey under the pseudonym Aleph. The lithograph was produced by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son. William Henry “Aleph” Harvey (1796–1866) was a London physician and journalist. He was also known for writing and illustrating children’s books. He stated that the purpose of creating this work was as follows: “If these geographical riddles amuse children, the momentary enjoyment might lead to a fruitful curiosity among young students and instill in their minds a healthy interest in learning about foreign lands. No history, no newspaper can be understood without knowledge of maps, and we do a good service when we make such information more accessible and enjoyable.” A fine copy with vivid colors; there are a few small binding pinholes along the top margin.
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