A Graphically Striking Illustrated Map of Worldwide U.S. Navy Resources Before the Outbreak of WW II
New York: Fortune, 1938. 1st Edition. Quarto. Very Good. Item #18040
A vibrantly colorful 1938 pictorial map of bases, ships, and manpower of the U.S. Navy shortly before the outbreak of WW II, by influential 20th-century cartographer Richard Edes Harrison.
Harrison (1902-1994), a Baltimore native, redefined 20th-century cartography, adding flairs of artistic perspective, color and shading to produce maps which were not only beautiful, but much more accessible to the average person. He teamed up with Fortune Magazine in the 1930s and together they produced some of the most striking illustration of the Great Depression and WW II eras.
This particular piece depicts a U.S. Navy with a heavy worldwide presence, and manpower which seemed monolithic at the time. There is particular focus on Pearl Harbor as the central point of concentration for U.S. Naval forces. Ironically this would be the launching point of U.S. entry into WW II when it was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941.
This historic piece depicts in striking detail the firepower of the U.S., with the armament of each base broken down into numbers of planes, ships, dry docks, repair capabilities, and more, with a detailed key at the top. Important bases included are those at Pearl Harbor, San Diego, and Norfolk. Japanese bases are also shown in the Pacific. Surrounding many of the bases are color-shaded bubbles indicating the fighting range of each.
Original fold line down the center. This beautiful piece measures approximately 14" X 22" and is perfect for framing and display!
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