Catalog Archive
Auction 174, Lot 800

Ruth Taylor's First Edition Pictorial Atlas

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

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1935 (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, 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.

References:

Condition: B+

The maps are clean and colorful with a hint of light toning and color offsetting on the opposing text pages. There is a small edge tear confined to the bottom blank margin of the last 10 pages, and a previous owner's sticker is on the front pictorial endpaper. The binding is a bit loose, but is still intact. Covers have light wear and minor staining.

Estimate: $900 - $1,100

Sold for: $900

Closed on 9/11/2019

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