Mapping the World

By Ralph E. Ehrenberg,

Book cover of Mapping the World: An Illustrated History of Cartography

Book description

Mapping the World is a one-of-a-kind collection of cartographic treasures that spans thousands of years and many cultures, from an ancient Babylonian map of the world etched on clay to the latest high-tech maps of the earth, seas, and the skies above. With more than one hundred maps and other…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Mapping the World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

You get a lot of insight into a culture from the maps they create. Not only how they view themselves, but how they view others around them. There have been times in history when cultures weren’t even concerned with their maps being geographically accurate— they were a tool for teaching religion, or indulging a yearning for the fantastic. This book gives an excellent overview as to the many ways humans have used, and designed, maps throughout the centuries.

From Kevin's list on world-building.

Want books like Mapping the World?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Mapping the World.

Browse books like Mapping the World

Book cover of Why Elephants Have Big Ears : Understanding Patterns of Life on Earth
Book cover of What People Wore When: A Complete Illustrated History of Costume from Ancient Times to the Nineteenth Century for Every Level of Society
Book cover of The Grammar of Ornament: All 100 Color Plates from the Great Victorian Sourcebook of Historic Design

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,201

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in cartography, Germany, and worldbuilding?

Cartography 37 books
Germany 491 books
Worldbuilding 155 books