A lavishly illustrated look at the most important atlases in history and the cartographers who made them.

Today we can walk into any well-stocked bookstore or library and find an array of historical atlases. The first thorough review of the source material, Historical Atlases traces how these collections of "maps for history"—maps whose sole purpose was to illustrate some historical moment or scene—came into being. Beginning in the sixteenth century, and continuing down to the late nineteenth, Walter Goffart discusses milestones in the origins of historical atlases as well as individual maps illustrating historical events in alternating, paired chapters. He focuses on maps of the medieval period because the development of maps for history hinged particularly on portrayals of this segment of the postclassical, "modern" past. Goffart concludes the book with a detailed catalogue of more than 700 historical maps and atlases produced from 1570 to 1870. Historical Atlases will immediately take its place as the single most important reference on its subject. Historians of cartography, medievalists, and anyone seriously interested in the role of maps in portraying history will find it invaluable.

Provides information about the geography of each of the continents, including landforms, bodies of water, climate, plants, animals, population, and flags, and about the poles and the oceans.

Using more than five hundred historical maps from collections around the world, this stunning book is the first to tell the story of America's past from a unique geographical perspective. Covering more than half a millennium in U.S. history -- from conception to colonization to Hurricane Katrina -- this atlas documents the discoveries and explorations, the intrigue and negotiations, the technology and the will that led the United States to become what it is today. Richly detailed, visually breathtaking maps are accompanied by extended captions that elucidate the stories and personalities behind their creation. Coasts and mountains, rivers and lakes, and peaks and plains are described by explorers encountering them for the first time. These maps can convey explorers' ideas of what lay over the mountains ahead, their notions about what was discovered, and their explanations of the land's potential for sponsors back home. The maps can also show a promoter's attempt to sell his project to settlers or a general's assessment of a coming battle. They chart the wars that created and molded the country: the French and Indian War and the War for Independence; the Mexican and Civil Wars; the numerous Indian wars; as well as more localized battles of conquest and survival. Readers can follow the progression of map creation and design as more knowledge was gained about the American continent. Distilling an enormous amount of information into one handsome volume, the Historical Atlas of the United States highlights the evolution of geographical knowledge at the same time that it presents a fascinating chronicle of the expansion and development of a nation.

With more than 550 maps and graphics, all completely revised, this atlas provides accurate coverage of the whole world. Introductory sections for each continent are also fully updated and feature stunning images that portray unique physical geography and highlight the sprawling extent of major cities. The flags and country facts at the end of each continental section reflect the latest statistics from national and international sources.

The new National Geographic Benchmark Recreation Atlases are an ideal recreation resource complete with accurate, detailed topographic maps. They contain a wealth of robust travel information, including campground locations, state park maps, sports and activity destinations, museums, hunting and fishing information, historic sites and even climate details. Every feature is clearly labelled, field-checked and verified, and everything is organised for convenience and intuitive ease-of-use. The books feature a double laminated cover to prevent wear and tear. Scale : 1:200,000 Flat Size : 381 x 254 mm.

Atlas of Improbable Places shows the modern world from surprising new vantage points that will inspire urban explorers and armchair travellers alike to consider a new way of understanding the world we live in.