Throughout history, maps have been fundamental in shaping our view of the world, and our place in it. But far from being purely scientific objects, maps of the world are unavoidably ideological and subjective, intimately bound up with the systems of power and authority of particular times and places[...]
" A] mesmerizing and beautifully illustrated book." --"The Telegraph" (London)
Maps are objects of endless fascination, and the urge to map is a basic human instinct. In this masterful study, historian and cartography expert Jerry Brotton reveals how maps--far from being objective documents--ar[...]
More than ever before, the Renaissance stands as one of the defining moments in world history. Between 1400 and 1600, European perceptions of society, culture, politics and even humanity itself emerged in ways that continue to affect not only Europe but the entire world. This wide-ranging exploratio[...]
A fascinating look at twelve maps--from Ancient Greece to Google Earth--and how they changed our world
In this masterful study, historian and cartography expert Jerry Brotton explores a dozen of history's most influential maps, from stone tablet to vibrant computer screen. Starting with Ptolemy[...]
Great Maps takes a close look at the history of maps, from ancient maps such as medieval mappae mundi to Google Earth. Why do we put north at the top of maps? Which maps show us the way to Heaven, and which show the "land of no sunshine" or the land of "people with no bowels"? In Great Maps, author [...]
The world's finest maps explored and explained. From Ptolemy's world map to the Hereford's Mappa Mundi, through Mercator's map of the world to the latest maps of the Moon and Google Earth, "Great Maps" provides a fascinating overview of cartography through the ages. Revealing the stories behind 55 h[...]
Jerry Brotton is the presenter of the acclaimed BBC4 series "Maps: Power, Plunder and Possession". Here he tells the story of our world through maps. Throughout history, maps have been fundamental in shaping our view of the world, and our place in it. But far from being purely scientific objects, wo[...]