Rare Old Flat Earth Map "The World Today" by Stanley Turner, 1948: Azimuthal North Pole Flat Earth Map

This fascinating map by Stanley Turner from 1948 is a unique and visually appealing way to learn about world history. The map is centered on the North Pole, giving it a unique perspective that highlights the interconnectedness of the world.

The map is also notable for its inclusion of dated events, which are marked with small symbols and text boxes throughout the map. These events span from 1932 to 1948 and include major milestones such as the start of World War II, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The map is also richly illustrated with images of people, places, and events from around the world. These illustrations provide a glimpse into the world of 1948 and help to bring the map to life.

Overall, this map is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about world history or cartography. It is also a beautiful and unique piece of art that would make a great addition to any collection.

Countries, islands, cities, regions, settlements, rivers, mountains, or other natural phenomena shown on the map:

• Countries: All of the countries of the world as they existed in 1948, including the newly independent countries of India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
• Islands: All of the major islands of the world, including Greenland, Iceland, the British Isles, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Cities: Many of the major cities of the world, including New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, and Tokyo.
• Regions: Many of the major regions of the world, such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Settlements: Many smaller settlements, such as villages and towns, are also shown on the map.
• Rivers: Many of the major rivers of the world, such as the Amazon, the Nile, and the Yangtze, are also shown on the map.
• Mountains: Many of the major mountain ranges of the world, such as the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Rockies, are also shown on the map.
• Other natural phenomena: Other natural phenomena shown on the map include deserts, forests, and oceans.

Context of the map and why it's interesting:

This map was created in 1948, just three years after the end of World War II. The world was still recovering from the war, and the Cold War was just beginning to emerge. The map reflects the political and social realities of the time, and it provides a valuable glimpse into the world as it was in 1948.

The map is also interesting because it is one of the first maps to use a polar projection. This projection shows the world with the North Pole at the center, which gives it a unique perspective. The polar projection also highlights the interconnectedness of the world, as it shows how all of the continents are connected to each other via the Arctic Ocean.

Overall, this map is a valuable and interesting resource for anyone interested in learning about world history or cartography. It is also a beautiful and unique piece of art that would make a great addition to any collection.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45.5x61cm) 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.