Maps in Those Days: Carthographic Methods Before 1850

Andrews, author and former geography educator, provides a wide-ranging but thorough overview of the art of cartography from the earliest times to the mid-19th century. Rather than take the traditional approach of map-historical literature which tended to focus on cultural, social, and ideological elements of creating maps, the author concentrates on what early cartographers did and how they did it. All types of maps are discussed, particularly those created during classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment in Europe. The author also provides a brief introduction to map history and discussions of the different elements of production, as well as a review of the scientific or pseudo-scientific preconceptions on which the cartographers based their work. Numerous maps and illustrations are included. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)