Mapping Nature across the Americas

Maps are abstractions that capture someone's idea of what matters within a particular place, but they require selections and omissions. This book explores the relationship between maps and environmental knowledge in the Americas, including stories of indigenous cartography, the allegorical presence of palm trees, the systemic mapping of US forests, and the scientific platting of Canada's remote lands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Maps, undeniably, possess an inherent unnaturalness. They project three-dimensional realities onto two-dimensional surfaces, creating abstractions that encapsulate a person's perception of what holds significance within a specific place. These maps necessitate selective choices and omissions, shaping the representation they offer. Yet, these very qualities imbue maps with immense importance in understanding how humans have engaged with the natural world. Historical maps, in particular, possess a remarkable power to shed light on the intricate relationship between humans and nature over time.

This is precisely what is accomplished in Mapping Nature across the Americas. Throughout, the essays in this book advocate for a more comprehensive analysis of historical maps within the realm of environmental history. They also call for increased attention within the field of cartography to the cultural constructions of nature embedded within maps. This volume thus presents the first in-depth and interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between maps and environmental knowledge in the Americas. It encompasses a range of captivating stories, including indigenous cartography in Mexico, the allegorical presence of palm trees in maps of Argentina, the systematic mapping of US forests, and the scientific platting of Canada's remote lands.

By delving into these diverse examples, Mapping Nature across the Americas offers a profound understanding of the multifaceted ways in which maps have shaped our perception and understanding of the natural world. It highlights the significance of historical maps in unraveling the complex tapestry of human-nature interactions and sheds light on the cultural constructions that have shaped our relationship with the environment over centuries. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the intricate connections between maps, environmental knowledge, and the history of the Americas.

Weight: 984g
Dimension: 378 x 349 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226696430