1816 Darton Geographical Game Map of the World in Two Hemispheres

This is an 1816 William Darton game map of the world in two hemispheres. The map emerged early in the 19th century during a period of global optimism, curiosity, and romanticism following the well-publicized voyages of Cook, Perouse, and Vancouver. It celebrates expanded geographical curiosity, while serving as a didactic tool to educate on matters of geography, history, and culture.

The Western Hemisphere

Players begin in Chicago, Illinois, in the Western Hemisphere, then travel throughout the hemisphere with the possibility of stopping at over 140 locations. The instruction booklet that accompanied the game when it was sold (which unfortunately does not accompany this example) provided descriptions of each location including some of its history. Places throughout the hemisphere are labeled as well, including states within the United States, colonies in South America, and islands in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific. Lines trace the voyages of discovery undertaken by de la Perouse, Cook, and Vancouver.

The Eastern Hemisphere

In the Eastern Hemisphere, players begin off the coast of Ireland and travel through Europe, Asia, and Africa, before ending off the coast of Sierra Leone. Just as with the Western Hemisphere, the instruction book contained historical and other information about locations a player might encounter. Voyages of Discovery are noted throughout, along with European cities and countries, Asian countries, and African kingdoms and colonies.

Publication History and Census

This game map was published in 1816 by William Darton Jr. We note six examples cataloged in OCLC which are part of the collections at the Library of Congress, Princeton University, Duke University, the State Library of New South Wales, the National Library of Australia, and the State Library of South Australia. We note two examples in private hands.