Colorful Humanistic History · The History of Maps

Author: [UK] Jeremy Black
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: "What is a map? Is it a true representation of the objective world? The answer is both yes and no. While we marvel at the detail and precision of modern mapmaking today, let's not forget that for a long time, it wasn't entirely a product of scientific observation. Much like astronomy originating from astrology or chemistry from alchemy, maps actually stemmed from non-scientific fields such as religion, mythology, and aesthetics.
Maps can be understood as a product of some kind of "human predicament": nature exists inherently and perfectly, while human knowledge can only gradually approach it later; the world is infinite, yet as its observers and measurers, humans are inevitably constrained by the limitations of their physical bodies; the Earth is originally round, but when it is drawn by people, it becomes flat. These irreconcilable natural differences are destined to fill the history of human mapmaking with naivety, absurdity, discovery and speculation, persistence, and a spirit of adventure."