Map Addict: A Tale of Obsession, Fudge & the Ordnance Survey: The Bestselling Tale of an Obsession - Softcover

Parker, Mike

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007351577 ISBN 13: 9780007351572

Publisher: Collins, 2023

Synopsis

'My name is Mike and I am a map addict. There, it's said...'

Mike Parker, presenter of Radio 4’s On the Map, celebrates the richness of all things maps in this fantastic, critically-acclaimed read.

Have you ever got through an entire day without referring to some kind of navigational aide, be it checking the A-Z, touring the globe on Google Earth, planning a walk or navigating a shopping centre? Maps are everywhere and they are, according to self proclaimed map-addict Mike Parker, the unsung heroes of life. Here he sings their song, celebrating everything cartographic.

With a mix of wry observation and hard fact, the offbeat and the completely pedantic, Parker wages a one-man war against the moronic blandishments of the Sat Nav age. He combines cartographic history and trivia with memoir and oblique observation to create a highly readable exposé of the world of maps. Only here can you find out which area has officially been named by the OS as the most boring square kilometre in the land and whether Milton Keynes was really built to pagan alignment.

Confessing that his own impressive map collection was founded on a virulent teenage shoplifting habit Parker ponders how a good leftie can be so gung-ho about British cartographic imperialism and establishes himself as defender and saviour of British cartography in the internet age.

About this title

Review:

‘Mike Parker offers an exhilarating celebration of the humble map.’ Mail on Sunday

‘Excellent book,’ Daily Telegraph

‘This eclectic, funny and warm book should be on the shelves of everyone who has spent hours staring at a map.’ The Great Outdoors

‘a witty entreaty to leave the satnav in the car, and to head for the hills with the Ordnance Survey.’ BBC Country File magazine

‘a highly engaging and thoughtful, haphazard and personal, meander around maps and map-related arcane.’ Daily Mail

‘Parker makes his view of cartography both interesting and funny.’ Choice magazine

‘a funny, observant and genuinely interesting book.’ Adventure Travel

‘As you'd expect, given Mike's legendary wit, this is a book that's well worth a read.’ Midland Zone

‘In fact, it is a sense of mischievousness that makes this book quite charming.’ South Wales Argus

‘Nerdy it might seem, but the author's humour and historical knowledge of mad map makers, visionary breakthroughs and a deep love of exploration make this little book a treat.’ Royston Crow

‘Parker uses his own experience to add warmth and humour to a topic that may not, at first glance, appear enticing to the average reader. Accessible and entertaining.’ Country & Border Life

‘Parker proves a witty and engaging guide’ Guardian

From the Author:

Map Addict has been the book that I've been wanting to write for the best part of twenty years. I am so thrilled that it has finally happened.

While working on the book, every time I told someone what I was up to, they had something to say about the subject - for better or for worse. Maps seem to engage everyone in some way or other, from those of us who can spend happy hours curled up on the sofa reading Ordnance Surveys like others read a Mills & Boon, to those who break out in angry pustules at the sight of one.

As I researched and wrote, it became increasingly obvious that maps touched just about every subject going, from the most basic issues of our identity through our sense of place and history, to the sweeping, sometimes bewildering, changes of the digital revolution. Yet I also wanted to write something that was celebratory and brimful of enthusiasm for maps, and that was determined to find the humour in a topic that is usually considered to be as dry as dust.

Many of the best books about mapping are American, and I was keen to write something that - although the narrative travels far and wide - was foursquare rooted in Britain and the many foibles of Britishness. Our maps still are seen as the best in the world, and for very good reason. Long may it stay that way.

About this edition

• Publisher: Collins
• Publication date: 2023
• ISBN 10: 0007351577
• ISBN 13: 9780007351572
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336