Map of Austria-Hungary.
1891 (dated) 20 x 27 in (50.8 x 68.58 cm)
1 : 2070000
This is a beautiful example of Rand McNally and Company's 1891 map of Austria-Hungary or the Austro-Hungarian empire. It covers the territories claimed by the once vast Austro-Hungarian empire, including in whole or part the modern day nations of Austria, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Albania, Croatia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic. An inset in the lower left quadrant features the continuation of Dalmatia and Herzegovina. The Austrian empire, founded in 1804 by the last Holy Roman emperor, Francis II, lasted only till 1866. It was transformed into the Austro-Hungarian empire after Austria was defeated in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and went on to become one of the 'Great Powers' of the time. The empire collapsed during the First World War. Color coded according to regions and territories, the map notes several towns, cities, rivers and various other topographical details with relief shown by hachure. This map was issued as plate nos. 70 and 71 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. Minor wear along original centerfold. Text on verso.
Rumsey 3565.017 (1897 edition). Philip (atlases) 1026 (1898 edition).