Well before today’s ubiquitous satellite imagery, online maps, and GPS, I was fascinated by the beauty of cartography. Growing up, I had an oft-referenced globe and a book of local maps that I’d sometimes try to replicate with what was then a blossoming artistic ability. There was just something about the physical nature of that globe and those maps that I never quite felt since transitioning to all digital technology.

With those physical childhood artifacts long since gone from my life, I was pleased to be asked to review TCP Global Corporation’s 10″ Inch (25cm) Illuminated Premium Antique Desktop World Earth Globe. Although constructed from ABS plastic materials for durability, the globe has a decidedly premium look and feel, particularly with its polished bronze metal base, which provides for a 23.5° tilt angle and vertical axis rotation.

The globe itself features names for oceans and seas, major cities, countries and capitals, and islands and continents (its natural scale is 1:52,000,000 and it’s about the size of a soccer ball). As expected, there’s a helpful legend, but also information on ocean currents, a solstice guide, a time dial, and latitude and longitude reference lines. While it’s obvious TCP Global Corporation wanted to make an attractive globe, it’s nice they didn’t skimp on the more informative details that makes this not only a nice display piece, but also something educational. While I don’t expect my daughters to develop the same fascination for cartography that I had, I do think a physical artifact like this will help give them a better appreciation for where things our located on our little planet.

The globe is a compact size, with a 14″ total height and 11″ total width, so it should fit on many desks. At only 2.66 lbs., it’s easily transportable, but of course because of the nice switch-based illumination, you’ll likely want to place it near an electrical outlet.

Amazon has the globe for $59.96 right now, and you can also get it in blue. While they offer a non-illuminated version for about half the price, the illumination makes the map details and text (particularly the red text), much easier to see.

Thanks to TCP Global Corporation for the review unit.