Classifications
pseudocylindric
equal-area
Graticule
Meridians: Complex curves shaped to make the projection equal-area.
Parallels: Straight parallel lines, spaced the same as the Mercator projection.
Poles: Cannot be shown because they are infinitely distant from the equator.
Symmetry: About the central meridian and the equator.
Distortion
Free of distortion along the equator. Distortion accelerates rapidly away from the equator.
Similar projections
Sinusoidal is similar in the lower latitudes, but with less distortion. Likewise the Foucaut stereographic.
Origin
Waldo Tobler, 1978 (as an aside in DOI: 10.1559/152304078784022827), and elaborated further in 2016. Tobler advocated using the projection as a didactic device to compare an equal-area projection against Mercator with both having the same parallel spacing.