The Mapmakers鈥� Quest by David Buisseret, Oxford University Press, 拢20, ISBN 019210053X Reviewed by Roy Herbert
SIR Thomas Elyot, writing in the 16th century about the utility and pleasures of maps, thought that nothing could be more delightful than following voyages with their aid and that of his imagination 鈥渋n a warme studie or parlor.鈥�
And 鈥渁 graphic representation of part of the earth鈥檚 surface鈥� used to suffice as the definition of a map. But modern cartographers find that definition inadequate, though other names suggested such as 鈥渓ocational image鈥� are not likely to catch on. But the main aim of The Mapmakers鈥� Quest is to explain cartography鈥檚 own renaissance.
Advertisement
In 1400, maps were few and far between in Europe, but by 1650 the continent had far outstripped the rest of the world in the number and variety of published maps. Obvious influences such as military campaigns, exploration and the expansion of trade made more and better maps essential, but there were subtler forces at work and maps in turn influenced societies themselves. This is a fascinating tale, clearly written and handsomely illustrated.