Catalog Archive
Auction 184, Lot 70

"[On 2 Sheets] The Odyssey of F.D.R.",

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany, Fictional Map, Franklin Roosevelt

Period: 1939 (published)

Publication: Fortune Magazine

Color: Printed Color

Size:
22.4 x 14 inches
56.9 x 35.6 cm
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This pictorial map created by Constantin Alajalov demonstrates Henry Luce's view of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first seven years in office. Luce, publisher of Fortune, Time and Life magazines, was critical of the New Deal and didn't mince words in the accompanying text, stating that the "New Deal revealed itself as a Scrooge to the veterans, a gift horse to the farmers, and no friend to the utilities." The densely illustrated map presents a "free-wheeling trip" through a curvy back-and-forth road with vignettes revealing policy decisions and market reactions including the "blank check filling station", "soak the rich bill", several stock market crashes, and increased public debt. The scene ends with Uncle Sam wandering into a fog. The map was issued just prior to 1940 Presidential election when Roosevelt won his unprecedented third term. Printed on two sheets, as issued, with text on verso.

References: PJ Mode Collection #1277.

Condition: A

A clean and colorful example with a hint of toning along the lower sheet edge.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $180

Closed on 9/15/2021

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