This scarce and humorous prohibition-era "map" depicting the highs and low of alcohol consumption was published by H.J. Lawrence in Houston, Texas. The "Isle of Pleasure" is drawn in the shape of a human skull and features a a small town within the "State of Inebriation." Points of interest reference alcohol in playful ways including a Canadian Club, High-Ball Grounds (baseball field), Sanitorium (for those "ale-ing"), Liquor Depot (railroad station), Hangover Hollow, and Lit (light) House. The theme continues into the surrounding waters with Port Wine, Bay Rum, Whiskey Strait, and a Prohibition Sea featuring "Dries-Poor Fish Suckers & Others." The map is adorned with several classical design elements including sea monsters, sailing ships, an elaborate compass rose, and decorative border naming various liquors. At bottom the strapwork title cartouche features two canons named "Shot" and "Whiskey." The map was published only two years before prohibition was repealed. We found only seven past sales records for this map in the last 30 years (only 1 auction result) and 3 institutional holdings.

Roderick Barron of Barron Maps wrote an excellent article describing this map here.

References: Hornsby (Picturing America) p. 59 & pl. 14; PJ Mode Collection #2192.01.

Condition: B

Professionally backed with tissue to repair numerous tears and chips with some small areas of loss replaced in facsimile (primarily in the upper left skull and the clouds just above the skull). The map has been varnished with some light toning throughout.