Battle for the Boot [Italy] - Graphic map of Italy issued about a month before its surrender to the Allies.

Robert M. Chapin, Jr.

Publication Date: 1943

About this Item

With the Allies' successful landings on Sicily in July 1943, Italy's position in the war became dangerously tenuous. Hitler sent several divisions south of the Alps to theoretically reinforce against further assaults, but in reality, it was to ensure the Italians continued to fight on the Axis side. Mussolini was arrested near the end of the month, and his successor sought channels to establish peace with the Allies. This map shows the stage developing between the opposing forces. Military infrastructure like airbases and ports are represented with small icons. The invasion of Sicily nears its conclusion in the south. To the north, the German defenses are presented as a stronghold around Trieste, omitting the other prepared fortifications further down 'the Boot.' The map was designed by Robert M. Chapin, Jr. and published as a supplement for the August 9, 1943 issue of TIME Magazine. Chapin was a professionally trained architect who found jobs to be in low demand during the Great Depression. He took a job in the photo department at Newsweek in 1933, where he apparently picked up a knack for cartographic design. By 1937, he was hired by Time (a rival of Newsweek) as the head of the cartography department, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1970. During his long tenure at Time, Chapin's prolific output helped establish a pattern for 20th century newsroom cartography. The use of bold colors, uncluttered design, and legible typography was immensely popular, and the maps were reprinted for distribution in classrooms and public spaces throughout the country. Despite their widespread appeal, the maps are uncommon on the market and often overlooked in institutional collections. This version is listed in only two examples in WorldCat as of May 2024 - Franklin & Marshall College and the University of Southern Maine. OCLC# 47246731. Sheet Width (in) 27.5 Sheet Height (in) 46.25 Condition Description Old cellophane tape reside visible in the upper margin in several places. Moderate wear along originally issued fold lines, including some wrinkling, separation at fold intersections, and creasing along the seams. Good condition overall. Blank on verso.

Seller Inventory # W000902

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Battle for the Boot [Italy] - Graphic map of Italy issued about a month before its surrender to the Allies.
• Publication Date: 1943
• Condition: Very Good