Maps That Made History

by Lez Smart

Few people can resist the appeal of old maps and plans. Even in these days of disposable mapping - from satellite navigation to customized road directions at the click of a mouse - the historical map continues to present a unique perspective on our changing world. Here we explore 25 glorious examples. The emphasis is on the story behind the map: what it reveals about its creator and users, from the first explorers to the railway builders. This thought-provoking collection features maps that chart societies as well as land, sea, and skies; maps that have influenced and inspired; and perhaps most revealing of all, maps that misrepresent.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Maps, Art

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tyrannosaurus regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love maps so much. SO MUCH. Both as pieces of art and as a historical record. This book was a really interesting journey through a few key maps, on both levels, and I really appreciated that the author took care to qualify the meaning of "discover" when it comes to cartography and colonialism. The book in general assumes a British readership (in sometimes unconscious ways, I think), but that's not a hindrance because it lays out its bias right at the beginning. I did feel it could perhaps have gone a little more in depth overall, and I had some stylistic quibbles (the overuse of exclamation marks, for one).

[Duncan Prior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good fun, well structured, insightful, good choices
Enjoyed it
Kept it as we cleared my Dad's house after he passed away and am glad I did.
Most interesting map and evocative story - Battle of Mons, Virginia, Empire shipping to UK
Most bonkers - California as an Island when they should have really known better!

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite map books. Smart has organized the contents into five Chapters, The Early Mapmakers, The Quest For Riches, Challenging Perceptions, Winning the Day and Fantasy and Fantastical. There are five stores and examples of maps within each chapter. This organizational format assures that the book will not be just another collection of old maps, rather it shows the relationships of history to mapmaking and that maps can also make history.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating collection of odd maps and the historical significance of them. What a fun little read! I really liked the one of the "Island of California." I would recommend this book for those who get distracted while looking at the road atlas on trips.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, meticulously put together book which will delight anyone who has a fondness for maps and design.

[Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this book.