This map was published in 1868 as part of the book Geographical Fun: Being Humourous Outlines of Various Countries. The book included an introduction signed with the pseudonym Aleph, which corresponded to William Harvey, although the drawings were by Lilian Lancaster.

The book emphasised the importance of geographical illustrations as an educational tool, as it helped pupils to show greater interest in the study of the main countries of Europe.

This particular illustration shows Ireland depicted as a woman carrying her daughter on her back. In 1868, Ireland was still recovering from the Great Famine, so it is not surprising that a peasant woman was used to represent the country. Although the daughter's position corresponds to the Ulster region, it seems that Lancaster did not intend the illustration to depict the friction between Unionists and Republicans.

You can read more about this illustration and the rest of Lilian Lancaster's work. in this article.

Sources

• 4. Ireland.