I was interested in this book as it connects the visual tools of ages past with the stories and cultures utilizing them. The opportunity to learn more about the use of maps and their impact on some of the key events which have shaped our current world is quite intriguing. As the inside jacket states “Historical atlases offer an understanding of the past which is invaluable to historians, not only because they convey a previous age’s sense of space and distance but also because they reveal what historians and educators of those periods though important to include or omit.”
But, I wasn’t prepared for the book, which turned out to be a bit drier than I had expected. This is by no means a criticism as the subject is handled quite well. But, at this moment in my life I need materials which is a little more reader-oriented than scholarly. An engaging book will allow me to put aside the stress of several concurrent projects, looking for a job and thinking of the future. Maps and History wasn’t able to hold my attention as it requires more of the reader than I am ready to give right now.
So, it will return to the shelf to be pulled down when I have the time to pursue with more vigor.