A WW2-era polar-projection world map published by the Aluminum Company of America, a leading producer of aluminium for aircraft. The map's borders are decorated with the air emblems of 46 nations, including Britain, France, the USA, and Germany. Many lesser-known combatants, such as Egypt, Finland, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are also shown, making this a fascinating record for anyone interested in the history of military aviation.

A panel of text to the left of the map explains why the Azimuthal Equidistant Projection was used instead of the more common Mercator projection - it is much better for calculating Great Circle routes, the fastest direct routes for flying between two places on the globe. In essence, this is a map of the world as a pilot would see it, reflecting the ways in which the innovations of the 20th century changed the way in which we see the world today.

 Laid down on archival linen. Printed colour. [SL]