1935 Reg Manning Original Signed Manuscript Pictorial Map of Arizona

This is the original pen and ink art, with additional hand color embellishment, of one of the most well-known Golden Age pictorial maps, Reg Manning's 'Arizona', signed and inscribed to fellow editorial cartoonist Jim Williams. The map was drawn in 1935, and copyright registered as the Picto-Map of Arizona, but was not committed to print until the 1938 publication of Reg Manning's Cartoon Guide of Arizona, where it was inserted into a pocket in the back as the 'Cartoon Map of Arizona

A Closer Look

This meticulously drawn map puts Manning's passion for Arizona, cunning wit, and artistic skill on full display. Although broadly similar in content to the 1938 printed version, the higher contrast and hand coloring of this manuscript example bring life to the piece to a degree that the monochrome printed edition cannot duplicate. Coverage embraces the state in a view-like form, with topography along the northern border drawn as a horizon. Throughout, Manning humorously celebrates Arizona's remarkable natural geography, flora, fauna, American Indian heritage, and frontier heritage - offering a wealth of detail for exploration. Unlike the printed versions, this map is titled The Picto-Map of Arizona and features additional text praising the state, evoking the phrase 'Land of Enchantment'. Although this terminology more commonly references New Mexico, it is taken from journalist Lilian Whiting's 1906 travel guide of that name, which applies to the entire southwest.

The map is signed by Manning and inscribed to Jim Williams, likely the fellow editorial cartoonist of that name based in Pasadena (likely not, unfortunately, the Savannah antique dealer).

Authenticating the Map

It can be difficult to distinguish between high-quality printing and manuscript work. We are including some of the microscopic images we used for authentication. The images include various degrees of magnification and different light profiles, including raking light. We looked for ink texture, overlapping lines (as on the Ts), and different pressure levels. The center-right image in the high-magnification set is Manning's signature.

Publication History and Census

As an original manuscript, this map is unique. That said, it is also the only known example of this map with this title, in any format, manuscript or printed. We do see a federal copyright entry for the map on November 16, 1935, but it was likely not printed until revised and renamed Cartoon Map of Arizona for Manning's 1938 Arizona guide. At that time, a new copyright was filed.