In this modern era, we have learned to see maps as
directional guides accurately depicting locations of, and distances between,
point A and point B. But throughout history, this use has not always been the
norm. Jerry Brotton is Professor of Renaissance Studies at London’s Queen Mary
University. He discusses maps as “a graphic representation that presents a
spatial understanding of things, concepts or events in the human world.” When
one looks at Brotton’s chosen maps, one quickly sees his point. A medieval
European map, circa 1300 AD, shows Jerusalem at its center, Central Asia as
populated by cannibals, and Africa as a significantly smaller continent
populated by mythical animals and people. It even provides a physical location
for the Garden of Eden, at northernmost point in the world. Christ is
represented “At the top of the map, outside terrestrial time and space.” (Brotton,
pp. 58-9). This representation reveals a medieval culture where Christianity
was central and understanding of other peoples or places outside Europe was
limited. Brotton presents a wide array of designs from Europe to China; from
Paleolithic petroglyphs knapped onto outcroppings to Google Earth. In each, he
examines what the cartographer is trying to say about the world, given her
social, political or cultural perspective.
While insights are important, this is a book of visual
displays. It is an opportunity for the eye as well as the mind. Both author and
publisher reveal an understanding of this in their selected layout. Great
Maps is a colorful, high gloss, large format (10 inch by 12 inch)
presentation of attractive images. Its sixty-four maps represent the aesthetic
values of numerous cultures. There is even a map that hangs in New York’s
Museum of Modern Art. (Brotton, p. 232). Individual examples are given a
two-page canvas, permitting the widest possible view of the topic. This view is
followed by another two-page “visual tour” where Professor Brotton highlights
interesting portions on the map and what they reveal. This variety and format
encourages a reader to set aside time for the quiet enjoyment of a slow,
relaxed perusal.
Brotton’s analysis is socio-politically progressive, as
represented by some of his selections. Henry Schenck Tanner’s 1839 “Indian
Territory” map was “consulted by the US Congress as they planned the various
stages of Native American removal.” Today it is a useful chronicle of stolen
land. (Brotton, p. 190). Edwin Hergesheimer, an abolitionist, created a US
slave population map, showing the distribution of the United States’ 4 million
slaves in 1861. (Brotton, p. 194). Charles Booth’s 1898 cartogram of London
contains color-coding which shows income levels in the city’s neighborhoods,
designed to reveal the extent of poverty. (Brotton, p. 204). David
Livingstone’s 1873 Map of Africa is presented in context of the “Scramble for
Africa” by European powers. (Brotton, p. 201). Many exploration maps were
commissioned by businesses or governments, intending to exploit the land and
resources of others. As beautiful as the maps are, they often represent
less-than-beautiful aspects of human behavior.
There are some notable scholarly lapses contained in this
volume. In his discussion of Portolan Charts
(illustrations for sailing that show shorelines and ports), Brotton states that
it is “almost as though the technique for producing this kind of chart emerged
out of nowhere.” (Brotton, p. 53). History is a discipline dedicated to
uncovering the trajectory of human development. Saying that a technology
appears to have emerged out of nowhere, does not substitute for the
responsibility of presenting what we do know about its origins. Later, the
author describes surgeon and cartographer John Snow as “pioneering the use of
surgical anesthesia.” (Brotton, p. 193). This is a careless statement that
leads one to believe that Snow introduced this innovation. Anesthesia has a
history that pre-dates Snow by 300 years. Paracelsus first experimented with Ether
on animals in 1525. Regarding Snow’s chosen substance, Chloroform, Francis
Brodie Imlach was using it on patients six years before our cartographer used
it with Queen Victoria. In both the example of Portolan Charts and that of John
Snow, more patient research should have been employed.
The area where Brotton excels is as a tour guide for these
maps. He has spent a great deal of time examining them quadrant by quadrant.
His “visual tour” sections help make sense of complex designs, revealing what
is important. Many of the maps do not conform to the style of a modern atlas.
These can be disorienting to the novice. Brotton’s expert navigation is useful
in such circumstances.
Brotton, Jerry. Great Maps. New York: DK Publishing,
2014.