Overview

MAP: EXPLORING THE WORLD brings together more than 300 fascinating maps from the birth of cartography to cutting-edge digital maps of the twenty-fist century. The book's unique arrangement, with the maps organized in complimentary or contrasting pairs, reveals how the history of our attempts to make flat representations of the world has been full of beauty, ingenuity and innovation. Selected by an international panel of curators, academics and collectors, the maps reflect the many reasons people make maps, such as to find their way, to assert ownership, to record human activity, to establish control, to encourage settlement, to plan military campaigns or to show political power. The selection includes the greatest names in cartography, such as James Cook, Gerard Mercator, Matthew Fontaine Maury and Phyllis Pearsall, as well as maps from indigenous cultures around the world, rarely seen maps from lesser'known cartographers, and maps of outstanding beauty and surprising individuality from the current generation of map makers.

Full Product Details

9780714869445

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Reviews

The books on Phaidon's list are as individual and stunning in their production as their content. -The Independent

The book successfully juxtaposes sets of maps in a provocative manner, replete with substantial descriptions and contextual captions... presents humanity's quest for a sense of place in a way that invites even a casual reader to savor its pages over a rain-soaked afternoon. -Forbes.com Captivating... brings together more than 300 visually arresting maps spanning 3,000 years and every corner of the planet. -The New York Times Book Review Catnip for map geeks... more than 300 gorgeous images from milestone moments in cartography... The range is pulse-quickening. -Los Angeles Times The selections in the book reveal the infinite forms that maps can take, the diversity of information and perspectives they can convey, and their essential role in understanding our world. -TravelandLeisure.com Profound, whimsical, wondrous, the book is a cartographer's dream. -Chicago Tribune [a] compendious testament to the beauty of maps... a coffee table treat for the armchair traveller. ...It is amazing to see how much our world view has changed. -Homes and Antiques This fascinating survey shows that a map can be an act of faith in ink on vellum (the Mappa Mundi), an arrangement of sticks and shells made by a pre-literate canoeist in the Marshall Islands, or a pointed political sculpture by the artist Ai Weiwei -Telegraph Travel exquisite... As one expects from Phaidon, the design and presentation of the book is second-to-none, making it a perfect present... Thoughtfully curated pairings reveal the huge variety of the cartographer's art... So delightful are the images in this book that any one of them would look good on a wall. [a] wonderful journey. -Aga Living the fascinating progression of cartography. -Wanderlust A fabulous book to put cartography where it belongs: on the map. -Tatler A sumptuous meal for carto-philes. -Library Journal collects some of the most significant examples throughout cartographic history -The Independent a stunning cartographic encyclopedia... draws connections between eras, places, and themes with each turn of the page -TheAtlantic.com A visual bonanza... This is a big, beautiful book of wonder -Architectural Digest An unprecedented collection of remarkable maps and tales of adventure, discovery and innovation. -Ranulph Fiennes, Explorer and Writer It's a stunning book and would make a gift... I have to have this on my coffee table, it's imperative. -ABC Radio Nightlife A celebration of cartography -MentalFloss.com Profound, whimsical, wondrous. -Hartford Courant

Author Information

This book was created by the editors at Phaidon. Phaidon is the premier global publisher of the creative arts with over 1,500 titles in print. We work with the world's most influential artists, chefs, writers and thinkers to produce innovative books on art, photography, design, architecture, fashion, food and travel, and illustrated books for children. Phaidon is headquartered in London and New York City.

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