The United States as seen by Californians
Cartographer:
Bisch, Charlene and Arnold, Oren
Date of Creation:
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. As
David Rumsey reports: “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”.
Charlene Bisch (1923-2008) is better known for illustrating the Little Golden Book ‘The Brave Little Indian’, 1951. The story was later re-issued with illustrations by Eric Carle, he of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ fame.
Oren Arnold (1900 - 1980) was an American novelist, journalist and humorist. Born in Minden, Texas, Arnold attended Rice University where he was the editor of the student newspaper, the 'Thresher', president of the Writers Club, and the Rice correspondent for the 'Houston Chronicle'. After leaving Rice, Arnold worked briefly as a newspaper reporter and editor in Texas and Arizona in the 1920s, although he found more success through his freelance efforts. He spent more than the following fifty years as a full-time free-lance writer and traveler. He accomplished most of his writing at his home in Phoenix, Arizona or at his beach cottage in Laguna Beach, California. He also issued a “Brag” map of Arizona.