Featured Maps
Didactic Manuscript Map of Africa
c1813
An exceptional manuscript composition most likely done in, or for, a German school classroom. The central map of Africa is surrounded by finely detailed vignettes including a coastal view of the mountains from the south-east coast, exotic natural history wit...
World Wonders. A Pictorial Map
1939
Chase’s Wonders of the World, include: engineering, architectural and artistic achievements of mankind through the ages, as well as marvels of nature; the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Mayan temples, Egyptian Sphinx, Great Wall of Ch...
South Africa
1958
A dramatic map of South Africa at a time when it was “The Union of South Africa" and included the former German colony of Southwest Africa. Also published in the same year in a smaller version, this example was printed in The Netherlan...
Visit Saratoga Springs . King of Resorts. Queen of Spas
c1941-49
A charming small pictorial touting the many attractions of Saratoga Springs. On the map, about 40 ‘Points of Interest” are noted, most with a cartoon-ish vignette shown. Thre is a guide at the bottom of the map. 14 x 16 in...
Geschichte des Kakos
1955
“Once upon a time, in the Caribbean, you could buy a beautiful woman for 100 cocoa beans” (1920s advertising slogan).A comprehensive pictorial history of the origins and production of chocolate, presumably commissioned for, but apparently...
Where We Grow Our Trees
1948
First published in 1943, the map illustrates the different forest regions of the US, and includes vignettes of the trees that are typical of each.“With the aid of research laboratories and American genius for invention, more and more industries are u...
Holland West-Afrika Lijn
1949
An important post-WWII map showing West Africa carved up by Colonial powers: Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium. Vignettes throughout the map highlight the rich natural resources of the territories, and how they may be accessed by the flight ro...
Plan de la Baie de Monterey
1797
First edition, derived entirely from original sources and the earliest obtainable map of the region. Showing the Presidio and the Mission of St. Charles, anchorages, rocky outcrops. La Perouse landed at Monterey in September of 1786, and remained there ...
A More or Less Inaccurate Map of Taos, New Mexico
c1940
A humorous map of the Taos region by a well-known artist of the Taos School, Ward Lockwood. Included is the area from Rancho de Taos to the Taos Pueblo. The title notes that the map is the “Guide to the Land of Manana in a State of Peace&rdq...
The United States as seen by Californians
1947
Adapted from Arnold’s book ‘California Brags’, illustrated by Charlene Bisch, and published simultaneously.The map depicts the continental United States from a Californian’s perspective. AsDavid Rumsey reports: “A humorous pictori...