Old Map of the Pacific Ocean by Bartholomew, 1957: Inset Maps, Relief Shading

The "Pacific Ocean" map, crafted by the esteemed cartographer John Bartholomew in 1957, is a stunning representation of mid-20th century cartographic artistry. This map, part of "The Times Atlas of the World, Mid-Century Edition," showcases the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean with meticulous detail. Bartholomew, known for his precision and dedication to geographic accuracy, has created a map that is not only a navigational tool but also a work of art. The map's use of the Prime Meridian of Greenwich as a reference point underscores its historical significance and adherence to traditional cartographic standards.

This map is a testament to the era's cartographic techniques, featuring relief through shadings and spot heights, while underwater depths are illustrated with shadings and soundings. The physical geography of the Pacific Ocean is brought to life, offering a vivid portrayal of its vastness and complexity. The inclusion of seventeen inset maps, such as the detailed depiction of Pearl Harbor within the Hawaiian Islands, provides additional layers of information and context, making this map an invaluable resource for historians and geography enthusiasts alike.

The design of the map is a harmonious blend of color and detail, with each element carefully chosen to enhance its readability and aesthetic appeal. The full-color print, combined with the red linen binding and gold-stamped labels of the atlas, reflects the luxury and craftsmanship associated with "The Times Atlas." This map is not just a representation of geography; it is a piece of history, capturing the world as it was understood in the mid-20th century.

Bartholomew's map also serves as a cultural and historical document, highlighting the geopolitical landscape of the time. It includes a comprehensive view of continents such as Asia, Australia, North America, South America, and Antarctica, as well as countries and regions like the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and various Pacific Islands. This broad scope offers insights into the political and cultural connections that defined the era.

The historical significance of this map is further enhanced by its inclusion in a five-volume atlas, which was a monumental achievement in cartography. With over 200,000 indexed names and 122 colored double-page map sheets, this atlas was a definitive reference for its time. The "Pacific Ocean" map stands out as a jewel within this collection, embodying the dedication to detail and the expansive vision that characterized Bartholomew's work.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Asia
• Australia
• North America
• South America
• Antarctica
• Countries and Regions:
• United States (Hawaii)
• Japan
• Philippines
• Indonesia
• Papua New Guinea
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Various Pacific Islands and territories

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset Maps:
• Hawaiian Islands, including Pearl Harbor.
• Samoa, Midway Islands, Canton Island, Tahiti, Tuamotu Archipelago, and more.
• Bodies of Water:
• Pacific Ocean.
• Various seas and bays around the Pacific region.
• Mountain Ranges:
• Depicted through relief shading.
• Other Features:
• Depth soundings and shadings for underwater topography.
• Historical annotations and identifiers such as No. 1440 and Oct. 56.

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Bartholomew, published in "The Times Atlas of the World, Mid-Century Edition."
• Date Created: 1957
• Themes and Topics:
• Physical geography of the Pacific Ocean.
• Relief shown with shadings and spot heights.
• Underwater depth indicated by shadings and soundings.
• Prime Meridian of Greenwich used as reference.
• Design/Style:
• Full-color print.
• Part of a five-volume atlas published between 1955 and 1959.
• Bound in red linen with gold-stamped labels.
• Historical Significance:
• Reflects mid-20th century cartographic techniques and global geography.
• Comprehensive atlas with 122 colored double-page map sheets.
• Extensive index of over 200,000 names.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

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.