Book Review: “To the Ends of the Earth: How the greatest maps were made”

Summary: “To the Ends of the Earth: How the greatest maps were made” by Philip Parker is a lavishly illustrated book that provides a unique insight into the evolution of mapmaking and the science behind it. This comprehensive guide takes readers on a historical journey through the creation of some of the greatest maps in history, exploring key cartographers, mapmaking methods, and the development of techniques and technology throughout human history. The book covers topics such as evolving methods of surveying, drawing tools and materials, and various mapping conventions and key components of a map. With visually stunning historic maps and antique instruments, this book offers fascinating stories about how we came to chart our world.

Review: While “To the Ends of the Earth” offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of mapmaking, it fell short (for me) in delivering a truly immersive experience due to some issues with the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) edition. However, I believe that these issues are not reflective of the actual content and potential of the book.

One of the highlights of this book is its visually stunning collection of historic maps and antique instruments. The illustrations capture the beauty and intricacy of these maps, allowing readers to appreciate the artistry and skill involved in their creation. These visuals add depth and context to the historical narratives presented throughout the book.

The author, Philip Parker, takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of mapmaking, exploring various methods of surveying, drawing tools and materials, and mapping conventions. By delving into these topics, Parker showcases how mapmaking has evolved over time and how technological advancements have influenced this field.

The book also includes fascinating interludes on subjects such as the very first maps, deliberate mistakes, and superlative maps. These interludes provide additional insights into the world of cartography and contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

In conclusion, “To the Ends of the Earth” offers a unique and comprehensive exploration of mapmaking throughout history. With its visually stunning illustrations, engaging narratives, and insightful interludes, this book is sure to captivate readers interested in the art and science of cartography. While my experience with an ARC copy had some drawbacks, I believe that these issues should not detract from the overall quality of the book’s content.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

**ARC Via NetGalley**

A beautiful book detailing the history of map-making. The book is broken down into chapters on surveyors and their tools, the contents of maps, how they are made and famous map-makers. There are numerous full colour illustrations throughout the book.
This is a very readable and informative book. Highly recommended.

In "To the Ends of the Earth,," the captivating journey of mapmaking unfolds before our eyes, revealing the remarkable evolution of this essential art and science. Penned by Philip Parker, a distinguished cartographic authority, this lavishly illustrated book delves into the rich history of mapping, from its humble origins in antiquity to the cutting-edge digital cartography of today.

With masterful storytelling, Parker unveils the hidden stories of pioneering cartographers, illuminating their ingenious methods and creative brilliance. Through his expert guidance, the journey bridges the chasm between past and present, transporting us into the minds of ancient mapmakers and the modern architects of digital mapping technologies.

Parker masterfully guides readers through the annals of time, unraveling the secrets behind the creation of some of the world's greatest maps. The narrative elegantly weaves together the stories of visionary cartographers and the ingenious methods they employed. From the ingenious Roman groma to the groundbreaking innovations of the 20th century, including aerial photography, we gain a profound understanding of the evolving techniques that have shaped our perception of the world.

At the heart of this exploration lies the tools and materials that enabled the manifestation of cartographic marvels. We traverse the ages, from the Babylonian clay tablets etched with early maps to the contemporary touchscreen technology that brings modern digital maps to life. The interplay between technology and human ingenuity becomes evident as we trace the journey from ancient instruments to the dawn of the digital era.

Parker's meticulous attention extends to the mapping conventions that have become integral to our understanding of geography. Delving into pivotal moments such as Ptolemy's pioneering introduction of longitude and latitude, the establishment of the norm placing north at the top by the 13th century, and the myriad projections that illuminate the Earth's curvature, we gain insights into the intellectual foundations that have shaped maps for centuries.

Interspersed with stunning visuals, "To the Ends of the Earth" transforms history into a visual feast. The pages of this book come alive with visually arresting historic maps, inviting readers to marvel at the intricate details and artistry that graced these ancient creations. Each illustration showcases the artistry and complexity that graced the maps of bygone eras, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the details that once adorned these remarkable creations. These visual portals offer glimpses into past societies, trade routes, and the daring voyages of exploration that have sculpted our world. The antique instruments, showcased with elegance, serve as time capsules that transport us to eras gone by. As we immerse ourselves in this visual feast, the significance of maps in shaping societies, trade, and exploration becomes abundantly clear.

Philip Parker's expertise shines through in his engaging prose, which seamlessly marries historical narratives with scholarly insights. His passion for the subject matter is palpable, as he unravels the fascinating stories behind the maps that have guided generations. With a rich background in history and a keen eye for detail, Parker's narrative is both informative and captivating.

Since ancient times, maps have ignited our imaginations and aided us in comprehending our world on both a global and local scale. In this work, Parker has meticulously compiled an atlas of maps and stories, tracing the advancement of civilization as our understanding of the world has expanded. Parker’s expertise, combined with the visual allure of the book's illustrations, ensures that this journey through time will leave an indelible mark on anyone with a curiosity for the history of cartography.

I enjoyed this book. I appreciated the great images and the maps with insets. There were some witticisms and the author seems personable. I can’t say that I was fond of the writing style; it was not as conversational as I would have liked. Overall, this book is well worth reading. Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.