Maps and Civilization: Cartography in Culture and Society, Third Edition [Paperback]

Norman J. W. Thrower (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0226799743 | ISBN-13: 978-0226799742 | Edition: 3

In this concise introduction to the history of cartography, Norman J. W. Thrower charts the intimate links between maps and history from antiquity to the present day. A wealth of illustrations, including the oldest known map and contemporary examples made using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), illuminate the many ways in which various human cultures have interpreted spatial relationships.
The third edition of Maps and Civilization incorporates numerous revisions, features new material throughout the book, and includes a new alphabetized bibliography.
 
Praise for previous editions of Maps and Civilization:
“A marvelous compendium of map lore. Anyone truly interested in the development of cartography will want to have his or her own copy to annotate, underline, and index for handy referencing.”—L. M. Sebert, Geomatica

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A marvelous compendium of map lore. Anyone truly interested in the development of cartography will want to have his or her own copy to annotate, underline, and index for handy referencing." - L. M. Sebert, Geomatica "The premier one-volume history of cartography.... Maps and Civilization should be a close companion for anyone interested in maps: where they came from, where they are now, and where to go for more detail." - John P. Snyder, Mercator's World"

About the Author

Norman J. W. Thrower is professor emeritus of geography at the University of California, Los Angeles. His other books include Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Longer View of Newton and Halley, Sir Francis Drake and the Famous Voyage, 1577–1580, and Original Survey and Land Subdivision.

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 3 edition (October 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226799743
• ISBN-13: 978-0226799742
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Cartography

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intensive beginner, August 3, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Maps and Civilization: Cartography in Culture and Society, Third Edition (Paperback)

This book is extremely well written and is based on sound sources, and not least structured and academic character.
The book is for readers who already have knowledge of cartography, but also suitable for beginners, although the book is intensive for the reader without prior knowledge of cartography.
All readers can use the book as a chronological review of the use of maps, and also use the book as a reference when knowledge must be clarified or refreshed.
The book moves only briefly into the making of maps, but is primary focused on the use of maps. The chronological review of the historical development offers an excellent comprehensive description, which is complemented by a wide range of more peripheral historical contexts.
The notes are extensive and lead to the book can subsequently be used as an excellent reference book while the new reader can seem overwhelming with the many comprehensive notes, wich than can be "saved" for later reading.