Book,
Trading territories: Mapping the early modern world
Cornell University Press, Ithaca, (1998)
Abstract
Brotton clearly shows the commercial and political pressures that made mapmaking so important during the 1600s; and he shows the geographical, logistic, and printing limitations that made mapmaking difficult and haphazard. He corrects many common historical omissions and false notions: he grants Arabs, Muslims, Asians, and Ottomans their rightful place in preserving and furthering the art of mapmaking, and he argues convincingly that Ottomans and Europeans got along more peacefully than usually portrayed. The book's academic style and long paragraphs present a challenge, but the commonsense arguments are easy to follow. Tales of politics, personal ambition, and exploration, and a touch of humor, also keep the book interesting. The book excellently tells the story of mapmakers' progressing from servants whose maps distorted kings' territories to independent scholars whose maps' political neutrality and geographical accuracy were rewarded by private companies. The illustrations show maps developing from ancient geographers' fantastical notions to increasingly sophisticated and accurate documents. Map buffs and those interested in early world exploration should enjoy this one.
