1893 Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio - Title Page
By: Walter Levi Yaggy
Date: 1893 (published) Chicago, IL
Dimensions: 22.5 x 34.5 inches (57.2 x 87.5 cm)
This is a very fine example of the cover sheet to 1893 edition of Levi Walter Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio, published as an educational tool for high schools and colleges. The entire portfolio consisted of nine illustrated charts, and maps as well as two movable diagrams of presenting celestial phenomena, all housed in a wooden cloth-wrapped case.
The title sheet features a view of Earth from space during the summer solstice of the Northern Hemisphere. The rays of sunlight is cast upon the Western Hemisphere from the top left that creates Earth's shadow in the lower right portion of the sheet. Other celestial bodies include several stars of varying sizes and distances, a streaking comet, the Earth's moon (also partially lit for the sun), Saturn, and another planet from our solar system.
The prints from Yaggy's Geographical Portfolio were produced using multi-stone chromolithography, a method of color printing by multiple applications of lithographic stones, each using a different color ink. Previously, lithographs were printed in black and white and then colored by hand, often times with watercolor paint. This method was not only more suitable for mass production, but also resulted a much more vibrant image.
Levi Walter Yaggy (1848 - 1912) Was born in Plainfield Illinois to Jacob and Elizabeth Yaggy. He attended Northwestern College in Naperville, Illinois before moving to Chicago where he would found the Great Western Publishing House in 1874. He business would enjoy great success, ultimately expanding to include seventeen branch offices throughout the United States and employing thousands. Yaggy primarily focused on creating maps and educational books and portfolios for high schools and colleges that included "Museum of Antiquity; A Description of Ancient Life...," "The Standard History of All Nations and Races…," and "Yaggy’s Anatomical Study; Presenting the Skeleton, Muscles, Arteries, Veins and Nerves...," among others.
Condition: This print is in B+ condition with a 2 inch area of vertical scratches between Earth and the comet. The print is backed with the original linen as issued and presents beautifully with full margins on all sides and no tears or holes.
Inventory #12214
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