February 11, 2008

You Are Here

Antique Maps from Second Story Books

Turn left on Main. Then go straight for a mile and a half. Merge onto I-64. Turn right off the bridge. And into the river? Thanks, GPS. Thanks a ton.

Hark back to the days before clueless satellite systems with an antique map from Second Story Books (man, this shop is amazing).

Their buyers scour auctions around the area for regional, national, and international maps, which are all in good condition and less expensive than maps at other shops (though they’re still not cheap).

Right now, the store has cool-looking plat maps (a.k.a. property outlines) of Georgetown in the 1940s and a sweetass 1941 topographical map of China.

Put your find in a cool frame and it’s insta-art — or a swell gift for just about anyone.

It’s sure to cause a splash. In a good way.

Second Story Books, 2000 P Street NW, at 20th Street (202-659-8884 or secondstorybooks.com).