'On the Map: Why the World Looks the Way it Does' May 09 2014

Exploring the cultural and historical significance of maps, 'On the Map: Why the World Looks the Way it Does' tells the stories of early mapmakers such as Greek scholar Ptolomy and the traders who discovered new territories and expanded our understanding of the world. Simon Garfield's book on map making through the ages was amongst the gifts in the Love Maps On Christmas stocking.  We love learning about influential maps and cartographers, ancient and modern, so this gift was just perfect!

It's an engaging read and we really enjoyed Garfield's insights into significant historical maps that have been hidden over the centuries and the stories of those who rediscovered them, recognising their importance and bringing them back to public view.  These include the famous medieval Mappa Mundi in Hereford Cathedral and Venetian monk Fra Mauro's 15th-century map of the world which was heavily influenced by Marco Polo's travels almost two centuries after his expeditions.

'On the Map' brings the story of cartography right up to date with the latest satnav technology, GPS and map apps that place each of us, as individuals, at the centre of the map.  Garfield explores how the digital revolution is transforming mapping more than any previous innovations in cartography. If you'd like to learn more about the book, visit Simon Garfield's website.