"Based on careful analysis and meticulous research, Pedley''s study demonstrates the myriad ways in which maps became the eighteenth century''s most widely accessible form of geogrpahical knowledge and a much sought-after commodity. . . . Beautifully illustrated and written, Pedley''s study of the consumer and economic-driven forces affecting the printed map trade in eighteenth-century France and England takes readers on a very interesting itinerary, too, that leads to a deeper understanding of the increasing commercialization of geographical knowledge during the Enlightenment."—Michael Wolfe, H-France
(Michael Wolfe
H-France 20060501)
"A labor of love supported by careful scholarship and a commitment to thoroughness. . . . It will likely remain a seminal study for many years. . . . Highly recommended reading for all with an interest in the history of cartography, the history of graphic arts, eighteenth-century economic and commercial history, and early issues of copyright and privilege in publishing,"—Harry O. Davis, Western Association of Map Libraries Information Bulletin
(Harry O. Davis
Western Association of Map Libraries Information Bulletin 20071201)
A first-rate work of reference by an eminent map historian...This is one of the finest books in the domain of history of cartography I have come across in the recent past. Informative, extrememly well documented, accessible to all on account of its cultivates readability, beautifull produced, a source for further research that will keep you busy for quite a while."—Wulf Bodenstein, Brussels International Map Collectors'' Circle Newsletter
(Wulf Bodenstein
Brussels International Map Collectors' Circle Newsletter )
"A hard book to put down, as it very much brought to life the complex world of the trader, the colorist, the buyer of copper plates. . . . The book, as with any of Pedley''s sterling publications, belongs in any self-respecting research map library, and on the serious map scholar and collector''s personal bookshelf. The Commerce of Cartography is a grand read in itself. . . . Buy this book!"—Alice Hudson, Portolan
(Alice Hudson
Portolan )
"This is one of the finest books in the domain of history of cartography I have come across in the recent past. Informative, extremely well documented, accessible to all on account of its cultivated readability, beautifully produced, a source for further research that will keep you busy for quite a while--let me echo the ultimated conclusion in Alice Hudson''s review of this book in The Portolan . . . ''Buy this book!''"
(Wulf Bodenstein
BIMCC Newsletter )
"The Commerce of Cartography is an excellent, well-illustrated and thoroughly researched reference that fills a gap in the history of cartography. It is highly recommended to any major library of map collector and sells at a most reasonable price."—Terry Birtles, Journal of Spatial Science
(Terry Birtles
Journal of Spatial Science )
"The writing, while scholarly, is refreshingly free of jargonistic phrases and catchwords. It is unusual to find an academic book that is not only informative, but a good read. The Commerce of Cartography is such a book."
(Judith A. Tyner
Cartographic Perspectives )
"Pedley''s book is particularly welcome because it puts an important period of map production in its commercial context and does so in an instructive comparative fashion."
(Jeremy Black
The Historian )
"This well-written, compelling study of the ''business'' of Anglo-French cartography during the Enlightenment charts a new panorama and will prove to be invaluable to scholars of cartography, a variety of historians (especially economic, intellectual, and military), historical geographers, socio-cultural researchers, and persons interested in the history of printing and publishing. . . . In qualitatively assessing the relationships between the evolution of commercial cartography and economics, Pedley uncovers all facets of cartographic art and science--compilation, production, marketing, consumption, and criticism--in a single fascinating compendium.""
(Charles C. Kolb
Historical Geography )
