Since that ancient day when the first human drew a line connecting Point A to Point B, maps have been understood as one of the most essential tools of communication. Despite differences in language, appearance, or culture, maps are universal touchstones in human civilization. Over the centuries, maps have served many varied purposes; far from mere guides for reaching a destination, they are unique artistic forms, aides in planning commercial routes, literary devices for illuminating a story. Accuracy—or inaccuracy—of maps has been the make-or-break factor in countless military battles throughout history. They have graced the walls of homes, bringing prestige and elegance to their owners. They track the mountains, oceans, and stars of our existence. Maps help us make sense of our worlds both real and imaginary—they bring order to the seeming chaos of our surroundings. With The Curious Map Book, Ashley Baynton-Williams gathers an amazing, chronologically ordered variety of cartographic gems, mainly from the vast collection of the British Library. He has unearthed a wide array of the whimsical and fantastic, from maps of board games to political ones, maps of the Holy Land to maps of the human soul. In his illuminating introduction, Baynton-Williams also identifies and expounds upon key themes of map production, peculiar styles, and the commerce and collection of unique maps. This incredible volume offers a wealth of gorgeous illustrations for anyone who is cartographically curious.

A singular atlas of 100 infographic maps from thought-provoking to flat-out fun. And don’t miss the next book in the series, North American Maps for Curious Minds! Publisher’s note: Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds was published in the UK under the title Brilliant Maps. Which countries don’t have rivers? Which ones have North Korean embassies? Who drives on the “wrong” side of the road? How many national economies are bigger than California’s? And where can you still find lions in the wild? You’ll learn answers to these questions and many more in Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds. This one-of-a-kind atlas is packed with eye-opening analysis (Which nations have had female leaders?), whimsical insight (Where can’t you find a McDonald’s?), and surprising connections that illuminate the contours of culture, history, and politics. Each of these 100 maps will change the way you see the world—and your place in it.

"Maps of the World, but not as you know it. A new atlas is here, a spectacular visual guide to how the world really looks. Martin Vargic has transformed information with imagination, transporting infographics to a unique and virgin territory. He could tell you, but he'd rather show you ... what other countries say about yours behind your back ... what Europe will look like in 100 years' time ... whether you are better endowed than your fellow citizens Vargic's Miscellany of Curious Maps revitalises the facts of life, blending data, context and connections into dazzling designs that reveal everything there is to know about our modern world and where it is heading. This beautifully illustrated atlas contains over 60 spreads of Vargic's weird and wonderful cartographic creations, including two fold out gatefolds and an extravagant double sided pull-out poster showing the Martin's infamous Map of Stereotypes on one side and The Map if Video Websites on the other."--Publisher's description.

Experience a child’s view of the world in this extraordinarily imaginative picture book about maps—now with a fresh new cover look! "An imaginative, child-centered title that should be examined and enjoyed, and one that will also make a wonderful springboard for teachers introducing the concepts of mapping or autobiography," said School Library Journal. In each spread of this bold and humorous picture book, children can examine their place in the world around them through detailed and engaging maps that are drawn from a child's perspective. Twelve beautifully illustrated maps, such as Map of My Day and Map of My Family, will fascinate children, teaching about both mapping and telling one's story. Perfect for the curious and artsy, these maps are a creative introduction to recording, mapping, and adding a unique touch to the environment. When finished reading the book, children can unfold the jacket—it turns into a poster-size map for them to use for drawing and creating.