A truly fascinating, rare old map of the world showing the spread and scale of religious beliefs in 1854. The map was originally published in 1854 by AK Johnston out of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Take a look at the detailed listing images and marvel at how the world's religions were dramatically different back in the mid 19th century. For a start, there was only about 1 billion people on the planet - and 300 million of them were Buddhists. The Roman Catholics were next up at 150 million, Muslims (Mohamedans) at 124 million, and a mere 95 million protestants.
As this map was published by a Christian, the non-Christian religions, of course, are labelled 'Heathens'. Jews (6 million of them) and Muslims seem to straddle between Christians and Heathens.
The map also shows the breakdown of religion in Europe, and even for some specific countries. All in all, a lovely map.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24x30 inches (61x76cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 70 inches (180cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 20x16 inch (51x40.5cm) version of this map.
Please note that at 12x16 inches (31x41cm) the writing is very small. The map is still very attractive, but you will struggle to read the smallest labels. The unframed 24x30 inch map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.
If you’re looking for more options, I have another interesting world map by Willem Blaeu in 1635.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone who loves to travel the world or someone who is interested in the history of religion across the globe.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.