The Map Book

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"Journey over all the universe in a map, without the expense and fatigue of traveling, without suffering the inconveniences of heat, cold, hunger, and thirst." --Miguel de Cervantes, in Don Quixote. From ancient times, maps have ignited our imaginations and helped us understand our world. Peter Barber, Head of Map Collections at the British Library, has curated a historic atlas that chronicles civilization's progress through our expanding knowledge of the world. Organized chronologically, this collection features around 175 maps spanning four millennia, from the prehistoric Bedolina incision around 1500 B.C. to modern digital renderings. Many maps are artistic masterpieces in their own right. They illustrate oceans and continents charted by daring explorers, revealing new discoveries and shadowy lands labeled as 'unknown.' Other maps serve practical purposes, marking national borders or military strategies, while some function as propaganda to showcase superiority. Each map carries rich historical significance—cultural, mythological, and navigational—reflecting the boundless creativity of humanity. Accompanying texts by leading map historians provide vivid insights, making this volume not only visually captivating but also intellectually engaging.