1933 Linscott Pictorial Map of Mother Goose Land

This is a 1933 Dorothy Linscott pictorial map of Mother Goose Land drawn for nursery decoration.

A Closer Look

The map gives a geographical home to various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes: Little Jack Horner, Jack and Jill, the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, Little Miss Muffet, and Mary and her Little Lamb, among others. Some of the rhymes referenced include 'Ring Around a Rosies', 'Hickory Dickory Dock', and 'Rock-a-bye Baby'. The ABCs and the numbers up to ten occupy the pictorial border, and four more rhymes appear in the corners.

Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes

Mother Goose nursery rhymes are a beloved collection of traditional English verses and songs that have been passed down through generations. First popularized in the English-speaking world in the early 18th century, these rhymes were compiled in books such as 'Mother Goose's Melody' published by John Newbery in 1765. The nursery rhymes, including classics like 'Humpty Dumpty,' 'Jack and Jill,' and 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,' are characterized by their simple language, rhythmic patterns, and memorable melodies, making them easy for children to learn and recite. They often contain moral lessons, historical references, and whimsical imagery that capture the imagination of young audiences. Mother Goose rhymes have become an integral part of early childhood education and literature, symbolizing the timeless tradition of storytelling.

Publication History and Census

This map was created by Dorothy Linscott and published in 1933. OCLC notes an example at the Osher Map Library, University of Southern Maine.