Catalog Archive
Auction 160, Lot 807

Ruth Taylor's Complete Pictorial Atlas

"Our U.S.A. - A Gay Geography", White, Ruth Taylor

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1938 (published)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
13.1 x 9.5 inches
33.3 x 24.1 cm
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Ruth Taylor White's charming pictorial maps are among the most popular collectible maps of the early 20th century. These whimsical maps, often known as cartographs, combine graphic style, color and comical observation. This complete atlas contains 54 of these humorous maps of all the states and territories on heavy paper. While the maps do show the stereotypes of the day, they are nonetheless memorable because of it. Shortly after the publication of the first edition in 1935, the New York Times reviewed it as follows: "Any one who remembers his childhood efforts to visualize Kentucky as something more than the green spot on the map, or New York as the pink State, will appreciate this volume. Brilliantly colored pictorial maps of the same order which have been amusing adults for the past decade show the United States and their Territories as active, picturesque entities" (November 17th, 1935). Oblong quarto, hardbound in red cloth with endpapers depicting the hemispheres. Published in Boston by Little, Brown and Company.

References:

Condition: A

Condition code is for the maps which are clean and bright with vivid colors. The one exception is the map of Alaska which has some light staining primarily along the top border. Text is very good with light toning and remnants of pencil notations on some pages. Title page has a 2" tear at bottom left. Light external wear with bumped edges.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $2,100

Closed on 11/16/2016

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