A hand-colored lithographic double-hemisphere world map by Humphrey Phelps (1799-1875), published in 1847 by Ensigns & Thayer (New York). Extensive pictorial depictions adorn the map, including pseudoscientific racial typologies, cultural fashions, world landmarks, and mountain elevations. Geographer Matthew Edney, PhD., has contextualized the historical subtext of this noteworthy pictorial map as a “vision of the United States of America as the next great world empire.”

Measures 22 1/2" x 28 1/2" (sight). Presented behind glass in a wooden frame that measures 28 1/4" x 34 1/4". Fair condition. There is a good deal of toning and staining to the sheet. Mild creasing. One example of flaking to the sheet at the bottom right edge, just inside the frame sight.