An American View of Pre-Pearl Harbor World War II

"Rand McNally Standard Map of Europe", Rand McNally & Co.

A very colorful map of Europe issued by Sears, Roebuck & Co. at the start of World War II. Red overprinting on the map reveals pre-World War I borders, suggesting that World War II would be fought along the same lines. The map includes the outline of the state of Missouri in the Atlantic Ocean to convey the size of the continent to an American audience. The fascinating verso features four maps showing the borders of Europe as of 1921, 19th-century Germany, an elaborate depiction of the fortifications between Germany and France, and finally a map showing air distances. Data on population and the relative size of the military forces are displayed in tables, “reliable as of September, 1939.” Small city plans of London, Paris and Berlin fill the rear cover. Clearly the view communicated by the maps and the Sears ad message was that this was a European conflict and that Americans need only to follow over the radio.

References:

Condition: A

Clean and colorful with a hint of toning along the left vertical fold. Issued folding.