Quite Possibly the Most Decorative Map of Its Genre. The Evolution of the Californian Self-Image.
A fine example of this original vintage map from the mid-century apex of the Golden Age of American Pictorial Mapping. This is one of the first maps in the genre of Californian self-aggrandizement, quite likely the finest early pictorial map to overstate California's position in the union.
This marvelously distorted map of the United States provides a California-centric view of the country. The details in California are extensive and fabulous: every look at the map reveals a new feature. Particularly good are the degradations of the non-Californian states, with the Midwest desolate, Florida a true pit of despair, and the Arctic Circle reaching New York.
Published by the Brags Publishing Company, the map is adapted from the book California Brags. As noted by Rumsey:
A humorous pictorial map with golden sun on upper left, giving a detailed depiction of California, it's relative size to the rest of the United States, showing Florida as "Death Valley", the rest of the United States as "Unexplored" and only good for "Movie Sets". Map is filled with images of Mexicans, Indians and Anglos. Shows rivers, lakes, harbors, landmarks, parks, recreational activities and local people.
This is one of the first maps of its genre and quite possibly the most decorative.