Product Description

From the classic Greek origins of the world map, through the elaborately decorated manuscript maps and printed maps of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which are works of art in themselves, to modern scientific maps showing the ocean floor, Peter Whitfield examines the history of world mapmaking through 70 outstanding individual examples. He discusses each map in relation to the religious, political, social or economic climates in which they were produced and considers what these maps reveal about the perceptions of their makers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1623531 in Books
• Published on: 1994-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

About the Author
Peter Whitfield is a historian, critic and poet. He was formerly the director of Stanfords International Map Centre in London and now runs the publishing company Wychwood Editions

Customer Reviews

modern maps aren't always better
What a fetish we have made of accuracy and precision in maps! These maps--even the mediaevil ones showing the location of the Garden of Eden--are coherent world views. Many of the maps have been restored to their original look.
Hard to know where to draw the line between art, science, religion and history. Excellent text.

Lovely to Look At, Delightful to Read
I keep coming back to this book. Intelligent. Graced with beautiful design. Now if I only had unlimited income to spend on old maps.