1958 edition of this important offset color-lithographed map illustrating whimsical scenes from children's stories, set in an imaginary world.
The map provides marvelous vignettes of many of western literature's most beloved children's books, including, Little Red Riding Hood, Little Miss Muffett, Little Boy Blue, Jack & the Beanstalk, Old King Cole, Peter Rabbit, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, the Wizard of Oz, Rip Van Winkle, One Thousand and One Nights, and Peter Pan.
Hess first published the map in 1930. It found acclaim while on exhibition in the Children’s Section of Chicago’s 1933 Century of Progress World Exhibition. Over time, it became an iconic children's graphic, which was re-issued on multiple occasions over the remainder of the 20th century.
Rarity
In July 2020, Swann Auctions sold the 1958 edition for $2,750. In 2012, River Valley Auctions sold a very heavily faded example for $1,600.