“PERSIA, AFGHANISTAN, AND BALUCHISTAN.” Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co., 1898. Color-printed map with original color from Rand, McNally’s “Indexed Atlas of the World”. Copyright dated 1892 & 1898 in the lower left. Color-printed map with original color and centerfold as issued. (Image: 19 x 26’’ – Paper: 21 ½ x 28 ¼’’)
This very detailed map depicts the region known in 1898 as Persia (present-day Iran), Afghanistan and Baluchistan (present-day Pakistan) in great detail. Topographical features are well noted and towns, cities, mountains, island, and water routes are identified.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of intense rivalry for influence in this part of the world between the Russian and British empires. Railroad construction was an important part of this rivalry, which was often called the “Great Game.” The map shows the strategically important Trans-Caspian Railway, built by Russia between 1879 and 1898, running from the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea to Samarkand and the Fergana Valley. Few railroads as yet existed in Iran, Afghanistan, and western Pakistan.
Shipped unmatted
