Globe, floor globe

Terrestrial floor globes of this type were often used in libraries. The maker, James Manning, had a business in the City of London. In addition to globes, he also made maps and varnish. This globe shows the routes taken by famous explorers. These include the voyages of Captain James Cook, Christopher Columbus and Jean-François de Galaup, comte de la Pérouse. Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii where Captain Cook was killed in 1779 is also marked as 'Karakakoaa' in 'Owhyhee'. On the frame the months of the year and astrological symbols can be seen.

The globe also provides a snapshot of the competing empires at this period. In 1857 the Russian Empire extended into North America with Alaska called 'Russian America'. British India was referred to as 'Hindostan'. There were still parts of some countries that were unchartered territory for a Victorian cartographer like Manning. Areas of South Africa, Peru and Brazil are recorded as 'unexplored' and 'unknown'.