The Atlas of Atlases: Exploring the most important atlases in history and the cartographers who made them

This book is a lavishly illustrated look at the most important atlases in history and the cartographers who made them. It covers key cartographic works from the last half-millennium, such as the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum and the Klencke, and offers a fascinating story of how map-making has developed throughout human history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: The Ivy Press

This captivating book takes readers on a lavishly illustrated journey through the most significant atlases in history, showcasing the remarkable cartographers who created them. Atlases have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of human history, serving as invaluable tools for rulers, explorers, and adventurers alike. These meticulously crafted books have been instrumental in building empires, waging wars, fostering diplomacy, and nurturing trade. Written by Philip Parker, an esteemed authority on the history of maps, this book brings these fascinating artifacts to life, offering a unique and lavishly illustrated guide to the history of these incredible books and the cartographers behind them.

Spanning the last half-millennium, this comprehensive volume covers a wide range of key cartographic works, including:

The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, widely regarded as the world's first atlas, produced in 1570 by the Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius.

The Klencke, a remarkable 17th-century atlas that is one of the largest books in the world, requiring the assistance of six people to carry it.

The Rand McNally Atlas of 1881, a timeless masterpiece that remains in print today and catapulted its creators, William H. Rand and Andrew McNally, to cartographic royalty.

Through its detailed and visually stunning illustrations, this beautiful book captivates readers, providing a fascinating narrative of how map-making has evolved throughout human history. Each atlas featured in this book is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the cartographers who created them, and their contributions have left an indelible mark on the world we know today. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cartography aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of maps, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of atlas history.

Weight: 1160g
Dimension: 208 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780711268050