Ruth Taylor's First Edition Pictorial Atlas - Signed by Author

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

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, first edition atlas contains 54 of these humorous maps of 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.

This example is signed by the author on the first title page.

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Condition: A

The maps are clean and colorful with just a hint of pleasant light toning. The front hinge is starting and there is a small stain on the front cover. Light shelf wear.