Aleph's Caricature Map of Ireland

This anthropomorphic map of Ireland was published in “Geographical Fun: Being Humorous Outlines of Various Countries”. Though credited on the title-page under his pen-name ‘Aleph’, William Harvey himself gives all the credit for this series of comic maps to a “young lady ... now in her fifteenth year” who was “seeking to amuse a brother confined to his bed by illness”. 

This was a young Lilian Lancaster, who later worked under her married name of Tennant. She became a popular stage performer, known for her comic songs, and drawing cartoon maps formed part of her act.

Condition & Materials

Chromolithograph, printed area 24 x 20 cm, a couple of minor spots and stains, blank verso.