ROSE, Frederick William (1849-1915). Serio-Comic War Map for the Year 1877, London, G. W. Bacon, [1877], coloured lithographed anthropomorphic political map (lightly browned), 424 x 560mm., framed and glazed. FIRST EDITION, second state. RARE.

ROSE, Frederick William (1849-1915).  Serio-Comic War Map for the Year 1877. By F. W. Rose. London: G. W. Bacon, [1877]. Coloured lithographed anthropomorphic political map, with English text in a side panel (lightly browned except where old reinforcement repairs on the verso show through as strips that have not browned [see illustrations], with a very narrow strip of loss at one fold, a few spots), 424 x 560mm., framed and glazed. FIRST EDITION, second state, with the artist's name given as "F. W. Rose" rather than with his initials alone, of this celebrated map which was the first, or among the first, to represent Russia as an octopus. The text in the panel describes the map as follows: "The Octopus - Russia - forgetful of the wound it received in the Crimea, is stretching forth its arms in all directions. Having seized hold of the Turk, it is eagerly pushing forward in the hope that it may overwhelm him, as it has already done Poland. At the same time, Greece seems unlikely to annoy the Turk in another quarter. Hungary is only prevented from attacking his neighbour, Russia, through being held back by his sister Austria. The Frenchman, remembering his late defeat, is carefully examining his weapons; and Germany is naturally interested in his movements, and holds himself in readiness for any emergency. Great Britain and Ireland are eagerly watching the fray - ready at any moment, at least, to prevent Russia from seizing the Turk's watch, or interference with Suez. Spain is taking his much required rest. Italy is rejoicing in her freedom. The wealthy King of Belgium is taking care of his treasure. Denmark's flag is small, but she has reason to be proud of it." See The Map Book, ed. Peter Barber, 2005, pp.284-85): "... Fred Rose's cartographic masterpiece ... [His] particular models go back to at least the 1850s, but [he] was the acknowledged master. His octopus had a long life: twenty-five years later Japanese propagandists were using octopus maps to win support against Russia during the Russo-Japanese war." RARE. Cf. Baynton-Williams The Curious Map Book pp.180-81.