1956 Norman's Simplified Maps of New York City
DESCRIPTION
This hand drawn folding visitor's guide presents four maps of New York City that capture the energy and bustle of the metropolis while making its intimidating scale approachable for tourists.
Rather than attempting to document every detail, the maps emphasize the streets, landmarks, transportation routes, and attractions most useful to a visitor. Throughout, informal observations, recommendations, and bits of local advice give the guide the character of a personal tour from a New Yorker rather than a conventional street map.
A Tourist's Manhattan
The principal map is devoted to Midtown Manhattan, centered on the Empire State Building and extending from 23rd Street north to Central Park, with the Hudson and East Rivers forming its natural boundaries. Streets and avenues are clearly organized around the city's grid, while individual blocks identify hotels, theaters, museums, churches, shops, and other destinations. Insets provide entertaining “Facts About New York City,” an index of Manhattan streets, and a curated list of outstanding places of interest. Among the more memorable statistics is the claim that New Yorkers make “20 Millions” telephone calls each day. Occasional comments and recommendations add personality while openly acknowledging that the map simplifies the city to make it easier for visitors to navigate.
Exploring the Rest of the City
Three additional maps appear on the opposite side: a complete street map of Manhattan, a closer view of the Financial District, and a diagram of the subway system connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The Financial District receives much the same treatment as Midtown, identifying important streets and destinations while the broader Manhattan map sacrifices detail to show the entire borough. Familiar landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, appear alongside practical transportation information, while comments such as “The Bronx Zoo is the world's largest and best” continue the guide's conversational tone. Combining practical cartography with illustration, humor, statistics, and local opinion, the guide offers an engaging picture of both New York City and the experience of visiting it during the era.
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622