On The Map Why the world looks

Garfield, Simon

ISBN 10: 1846685095 / ISBN 13: 9781846685095

Published by Profile Books, 2012

Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00072320358

Synopsis:

Maps fascinate us. They chart our understanding of the world and they log our progress, but above all they tell our stories. From the early sketches of philosophers and explorers through to Google Maps and beyond, Simon Garfield examines how maps both relate and realign our history. His compelling narratives range from the quest to create the perfect globe to the challenges of mapping Africa and Antarctica, from spellbinding treasure maps to the naming of America, from Ordnance Survey to the mapping of Monopoly and Skyrim, and from rare map dealers to cartographic frauds. En route, there are 'pocket map' tales on dragons and undergrounds, a nineteenth century murder map, the research conducted on the different ways that men and women approach a map, and an explanation of the curious long-term cartographic role played by animals. On The Map is a witty and irrepressible examination of where we've been, how we got there and where we're going. "Delightful. If maps be the fuel of wanderlust, read on." From the foreword by Dava Sobel, author of Longitude.

Review: 'Delightful. If maps be the fuel of wanderlust, read on' -- From the foreword by Dava Sobel, author of Longitude

'There couldn't be anyone better to write about our love for maps than Simon Garfield, who is a master at unearthing strange facts and mixing them with a lively personal narrative ... fascinating' -- Giles Foden, Conde Nast Traveller

'Completely enthralling' -- Daily Mail

'Garfield has a genius for being sparked to life by esoteric enthusiasm and charming readers with his delight' -- The Times

'Simon Garfield's new book is a rollicking sweep through map history, packed with curiosities and written with verve ... On The Map will inspire you to take a trip to somewhere new, buy an antique globe to chart the rise and fall of empires, or just dig out a tatty orange Ordnance Survey Explorer map and let its filigree of contour lines evoke a long-forgotten walk in the rain ... a great book.' Independent on Sunday

'This book is a joy and should be an absolute smash hit' Press Association

'Stunning ... As one of the UK's leading contemporary polymaths, Garfield's always a joy to read'Monocle

'Garfield's genial prose twinkles with the delight of discovery' --Wanderlust

'A pub quizzer's dream ... Rather than over-romanticise the experience of map-reading, Garfield allows his varied, expertly researched stories to speak for themselves, and in so doing helps us see that there are fewer things in life more useful, rewarding and beautiful than a map that does what it's supposed to. Perhaps if Apple had read the book a few months ago, today's iPhone users would have a much better idea of where they're going.' -- Daily Telegraph

'He takes us on a fascinating voyage ... and is a lively companion for the journey' Scotsman

'He hops around the world, ancient and modern, with glee, dispensing information, both learned and chatty. On the Map is informative and entertaining, and good fun ... fascinating.' --Irish Times

Bibliographic Details

Title: On The Map Why the world looks
Publisher: Profile Books
Publication Date: 2012
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good