A History of the World in 12 Maps

A History of the World in Twelve Maps

From antiquity, maps have been fundamental in shaping our view of the world and our place in it. But far from being merely scientific objects, world maps are inevitably ideological and subjective, and are closely related to the systems of power and authority of specific times and places.

In this stimulating work, Jerry Brotton examines the importance of twelve maps, from mystical representations of ancient history to current satellite images. By recreating the place and circumstances in which each of the maps originated, he shows that all of them present a unique vision of the world, whether it is the Christian perspective of the Hereford map dating from around 1300, with Jerusalem at its center, or the Peters projection of the 1970s, which attempted to give greater emphasis "to the third world."

Although the way we represent our environment is changing again, Brotton believes that current maps are no more definitive or objective than before: they still present ideas and concepts, and recreate, configure and guide our view of the world. Whoever reads this book will never see a map in the same way again.

«For centuries, the only way to apprehend the world was through imagination, and world maps imaginatively showed what that physically unknowable world might look like. Cartographers do not just reproduce the world, but construct it.»
From the introduction

Critics have said...
«A splendid journey for audacious intelligences.»
Kirkus

«A stimulating and illuminating study of how the mixture of science, politics and even religion influenced, and continues to influence, cartography.»
Booklist

«This history of twelve decisive maps —including Google's— is a revelation.»
Publishers Weekly

«A fascinating and extensive history of cartography. Brotton's idea of finding patterns of human thought in maps is wonderful.»
Tom Holland, The Guardian

«This exciting and magnificently illustrated book demonstrates that maps, since antiquity, have been strongly symbolic. A magnificent history.»
Sinclair McKay, The Daily Telegraph

«An achievement of evocation. A dazzling and provocative book.»
Anthony Sattin, The Literary Review

«A gripping read.»
Carl Wilkinson, Financial Times

«An admirable history, which will captivate any history and geography enthusiast.»
David Wootton, The Times Literary Supplement