Rare Old Wall Map of North America by Vidal Lablache, 1921: Educational Design, Trade Routes

The "Amérique du Nord Politique" map, crafted in 1921 by the esteemed French geographer Paul Vidal de La Blache, is a captivating glimpse into the political landscape of early 20th-century North America. Known for his pioneering work in human and regional geography, Vidal de La Blache's expertise is evident in the map's meticulous detail and educational design. This map was created as a wall map for educational purposes, intended to be read from the back of a classroom, with its bold labels and exaggerated borders making it a striking visual tool.

This map showcases North America in its entirety, extending from the icy expanses of Greenland and Alaska in the north to the tropical reaches of Central America and the Panama Canal in the south. It captures the political boundaries of the time, offering a historical snapshot of a continent in flux. The map's design emphasizes clarity and accessibility, with major cities, rivers, and geographical features labeled in large, legible script, ensuring its utility as an educational resource.

The map's style is both functional and elegant, reflecting the cartographic trends of the early 20th century. The use of vibrant colors and bold lines highlights the political divisions and natural features, while the inclusion of trade routes and annotations for natural resources adds layers of depth and context. The map's projection provides a balanced view of the continent, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of its geographical and political complexities.

One of the map's most intriguing aspects is its depiction of trade routes, labeled with commodities such as "Blé" (wheat) and "Coton" (cotton), offering insights into the economic activities of the era. The map also features an inset showing "L'Amérique du Nord sur le globe," providing a global perspective on the continent's location and significance. This attention to detail and context makes the map not only a tool for education but also a piece of historical art.

In addition to its educational and historical value, the map is a testament to the artistry and precision of early 20th-century cartography. The combination of clear, bold labeling with intricate geographical detail creates a visually stunning representation of North America. This map is more than just a depiction of political boundaries; it is a window into the past, offering a unique perspective on the continent's history and development.

Countries and regions on this map

• Canada
• États-Unis (United States)
• Mexique (Mexico)
• Antilles (Caribbean)
• Cuba
• Greenland
• Central America including Guatemala, Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama
• Alaska
• Regions like Labrador, Terre-Neuve (Newfoundland)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• A smaller inset showing "L'Amérique du Nord sur le globe" (North America on the globe).
• Bodies of water:
• Océan Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
• Océan Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
• Golfe du Mexique (Gulf of Mexico)
• Mountain ranges:
• Les Montagnes Rocheuses (Rocky Mountains)
• Interesting features:
• Trade routes labeled with goods like "Blé" (wheat) and "Coton" (cotton).
• Annotations for natural resources and agricultural products.

Historical and design context

• An educational wall map of North America.
• Designed for visibility from the back of a classroom with exaggerated borders and labels.
• Created in 1921 by Paul Vidal de La Blache, a notable French geographer.
• Reflects early 20th-century political boundaries and educational practices.
• Large, clear labels for cities, rivers, and other features.
• Simplified for educational purposes.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.