Ernest Dudley Chase's Scarce WWII-Era "Map" of Army Slang

"A Pictorial Map of Scenes In and Around Army-Slang", Dudley Chase, Ernest

This scarce "pictorial map" provides an irreverent primer on the contemporary slang terms used by the U.S. Army. It was designed and drawn by Ernest Dudley Chase (1878-1966), one of the leading figures in pictorial mapmaking during the middle 20th century, in collaboration with Stephen York, who worked with Chase on his A Pictorial Map of Loveland. Published during World War II, it is a lighthearted look at life in the Army, seemingly pitched more to the American public back home than the enlisted men overseas. With a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme, the "map" is shaped like an eagle, with illustrations of various slang terms appearing on stars and stripes within the boundaries. Terms illustrated include "Army brat," "bootlick," "goldbrick," "jeep," "pick up your brass," "rise and shine," "skirt patrol," and "walkie talkie." The Statue of Liberty is "one girl we left behind." Verso features more illustrations, an expanded glossary, and an address to send for a complete catalog of Chase's maps.

References: Hornsby (Picturing America) pp. 31-34; Rumsey #11125.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with a 3" fold separation at right and a 1" separation at left that have been closed on verso with archival tape. There is a hint of toning and a previous owner's name in manuscript ink on verso.