World Through Maps A History of Cartography

This beautiful and informative book examines the history of maps and mapmaking. It looks at the full historical range of maps and mapmaking from the earliest maps carved on rocks to satellite images. Maps from around the world are included. Maps are technical documents and so some of this book is concerned with the technical aspects of maps. But they are also social documents that reveal the impress of power. Maps tell us where things are. But in what they include and exclude, what they emphasize and ignore and how they present information, maps reveal much about the social environment in which maps were produced and consumed. The World Through Maps is unique in that it covers the full range of historical and geographical range of mapmaking, and is sensitive to questions of power and authority as to technique and design. It carefully deconstructs the social meaning and political implications of maps as well as recording the technical accomplishments of mapmaking. The book is illustrated with an unmatched range of beautiful and fascinating illustrations. There is no other single volume that contains as many apt and informative color reproductions. Hopefully I've written it in a style that is fresh, informative and engaging. If you can only have one book on the history of cartography; this is the book. John Rennie ShortShort, John Rennie is the author of 'World Through Maps A History of Cartography', published 0014 under ISBN 9781552978115 and ISBN 1552978117.