The Mississippi River in Maps & Views: From Lake Itasca to The Gulf of Mexico [Hardcover]

Robert A. Holland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2008

In The Mississippi River in Maps & Views more than eighty glorious full-color maps dating from as early as 1544 celebrate "Ol’ Man River," this profound artery at the heart of America, and the extraordinary cities that grew up on its shores, including New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis–St. Paul. Beautifully drawn maps document Fernando de Soto’s explorations and "discovery" of the river, as well as those of the Marquett and Joliet Expeditions. Other maps present key moments along the Mississippi in times of war (The French and Indian War, The War of 1812, The Civil War). More recent though equally artful maps and charts seek a scientific understanding of the river toward an end of controlling it, and gorgeous bird’s-eye views ultimately extol the river’s beauty and its environs above all else. A consideration of the Mississippi and its history as a major highway toward America’s discovery of itself, through a comprehensive selection of the most beautiful maps dealing with it, will give new insight to the complex—sometimes nostalgic, sometimes practical—relationship of this country to its most storied river.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is perfect for the history buff on your list....In addition to correcting my history, I just love looking at the maps. Most are more like works of art and a far cry from today's ultilitarian versions." ~Southern Accents

“A consideration of the Mississippi and its history gives insight into the complex–sometimes nostalgic, sometimes practical–relationship of this country to its most storied river.” ~Minnesota Outdoor News

“…a reminder of how maps can be works of art. This volume includes more than 80 full-color maps, from 1524 onward, with special attention to river exploration and its importance in times of war. And then there are those glorious bird’s-eye views.” ~The Times-Picayune

From the Inside Flap

Father of Waters, The Gathering of Waters, The Big Muddy, Ol' Man River--the Mississippi is America's main street, celebrated in history, song, story, and maps. In The Mississippi River in Maps & Views more than 80 glorious full-color maps dating from as early as 1524 celebrate The Great River and the extraordinary cities that grew up on its shores, including New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, Minneapolis and St. Paul. Beautifully drawn maps document the European discovery and exploration of the river (de Soto, Marquette, Jolliet, LaSalle), as well as the subsequent colonization of the Great River's valley. Other maps illustrate the many efforts over several centuries to pin down the end points of the Mississippi--its source and mouth. A number of maps present key moments along the Mississippi in times of war (The War of 1812, The Civil War). More recent though equally artful maps and charts seek a scientific understanding of the river toward an end of controlling it, and gorgeous bird's-eye views ultimately extol the river's beauty and its environs above all else. A consideration of the Mississippi and its history as a major highway toward America's discovery of itself, through a comprehensive selection of the most beautiful maps dealing with it, will give new insight to the complex--sometimes nostalgic, sometimes practical--relationship of this country to its most storied river.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (November 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847830713
• ISBN-13: 978-0847830718
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,117,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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