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Why do we put north at the top of maps? Which maps show us the way to Heaven, and which show the "land of no sunshine" or the land of "people with no bowels"? This book looks at the history of maps, from ancient maps such as medieval mappae mundi to Google Earth.

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This beautifully illustrated book showcases more than 60 of the greatest maps ever made, from the ancient Babylonian map carved on a stone tablet, through medieval maps such as the mappa mundi to the modern satellite images of Google Earth.

Drawing upon geography, science, exploration, art, culture, and mythology, maps have existed almost as long as the human race. They do more than simply describe the landscape - they also offer a unique window into the lives and beliefs of their creators. Great Maps shows how they have changed our understanding of the world, and features both entire maps and close-up visual tours that pull out key details that offer intriguing historical and cultural context.

From maps of the world filled with fantastical monsters, through famous explorers discovering new continents, to the first road atlases and modern data-mapping and cartography, Great Maps explores in stunning photographic detail how maps have influenced and reflected our world throughout history.

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Brotton, Jerry
Jerry Brotton is Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary University of London. He is a regular broadcaster and critic as well the author of Renaissance Bazaar: From the Silk Road to Michelangelo, The Sale of the Late King´s Goods: Charles I and his Art Collection (shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction and the Hessell-Tiltman History Prize) and the bestselling and award-winning A History of the World in Twelve Maps, which has been translated into twelve languages.

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