Stream Of Time, Or Chart Of Universal History from the German of Strass
London: C. Smith, 1849. Hardcover. Near Fine. Item #48737
Later edition. 117 x73 cm. From the German Strom der Zeiten of Johann Friedrich Strass, first published in 1804, a work so popular that it was translated into several languages and went through numerous printings while constantly being updated and revised. This edition of 1849 is published by C. Smith and engraved by Gardner, consisting of one single sheet, folded into 30 sections, backed on linen and coloured by hand, with the original cloth boards present but detached from the chart and in two pieces, with wear and light damp-staining. The chart is in near fine condition, without repairs or loss, a very bright and clean example. From the Explanation: "Each Nation is represented by a stream, which is broken in upon or flows on undisturbed as it is influenced by the accession of Territory or the remaining at Peace. This will soon be understood by taking for example; the streams representing the Italians and Chinese, from the commencement of the existence of the former about 1900 B.C., it will be seen, that it is constantly broken in upon by others until nearly the whole are swallowed up by that representing the Roman Empire which is here shewn as at its Zenith about the time of Christ, it then gradually declines, and about the year 400 A.D. forms itself into several smaller streams, representing the eastern and western empires, the nations of France, Spain, Britain &c. &c. These again flow onto the present time, subject to various subdivisions. To the left of these appear two streams representing the Germans and the Sarmatians, which throughout the dark ages are divided into numerous small streams representing the Huns, Goths, Vandals, Franks &c. these making incursions into various Nations, finally conquer or are conquered, and settle into regular Kingdoms. With the stream representing the Chinese it will be seen that it flows on undisturbed till about the year 1100 A.D. when it is broken in upon that representing the Moguls (who conquer them) this again flows off in the year 1367 A.D. (the original possessors having reconquered them) and is replaced by the Chinese till the year 1628 A.D. when another stream is shewn (that of the Manchu Tartars) crossing the original, and flowing on till the present time. The two last columns are introduced for the purpose of representing the various events & inventions, together with the great Characters of the Times. The lines across the chart represent centuries, which are enumerated in the margin. The figures affixed to each person or event, shew the intermediate date. The various small streams attached to the sides of the larger, shew by flowing upwards conquests, downwards losses. A+ attached to any names shews the time of Death."
Price (CAD): $3,500.00