A complete original set of Reynolds' Geognostic Profiles, compiled and engraved by John Emslie, published by James Reynolds, London, 1853
A complete original set of Reynolds' Geognostic Profiles, an exceptionally scarce and visually striking suite of Victorian scientific educational wall charts compiled and engraved by John Emslie and published by James Reynolds, 174 Strand, London, June 10th 1853. Produced during the great nineteenth-century age of popular scientific education, these remarkable charts transform the physical geography of the world into dramatic comparative geological panoramas, rendering continents as sweeping cross-sections of mountains, plateaux, volcanic ranges and plains. Both scientifically ambitious and artistically compelling, they stand among the most imaginative examples of mid-Victorian educational cartographic publishing.
Emslie was one of the nineteenth century's most inventive compilers of educational diagrams and visual scientific aids, and these Geognostic Profiles are among his most memorable productions. Rather than conventional maps, the charts present comparative geological and topographical profiles across vast continental distances, with major peaks, volcanic summits and geographic features identified throughout. The complete suite offered here comprises four original linen-backed wall charts incorporating eleven individual profiles in total, including: Europe from the North Sea to the Strait of Gibraltar; Europe from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea; Europe and Asia from the North Atlantic Ocean to the North Pacific Ocean; North America from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia; North America from the Arctic Ocean to the Bay of Panama; North America from San Francisco to Delaware Bay; South America from the Caribbean Sea to Cape Horn; South America from the Andes of Quito to the Mouth of the Amazon; South America from the Andes of Quito across the Llanos of the Orinoco; South America from the Andes of Bolivia to Cape Horn; together with a further South American interior profile including Brazil.
Institutional holdings appear notably scarce. The British Library records the work, while the corresponding WorldCat record identifies only two institutional holdings, with the British Library being the only specifically identified repository. Complete surviving sets in original linen-backed wall chart format therefore appear decidedly uncommon, particularly given that such educational charts were intended for practical classroom or lecture use, where heavy handling and subsequent attrition would have been expected.
Condition is good overall for working educational material of this nature and age. The charts remain mounted on their original linen backing for suspension display. There is the expected age-related wear, including minor foxing, age toning, surface marking, creasing from storage and handling, edge wear with occasional small defects, staining in places, and fraying / wear to the upper linen hanging margins. Despite this honest wear, the set remains highly presentable, with excellent decorative impact and strong visual appeal.
A remarkable survival from the golden age of Victorian scientific publishing - equally appealing to collectors of antique cartography, the history of science, geology, educational ephemera, or those seeking distinctive large-scale decorative display pieces.
Text in English.
Dimensions: each approx 285mm high x 860mm long - c. 11" x 34" (the chart) + c. 25mm (c. 1") deeper to include the linen strip along top edge.