Britain's leading cartographic author takes us on a historical journey through how the greatest maps were created. Exploring key cartographers and mapmaking methods, as well as fascinating interludes on subjects such as the very first maps, deliberate mistakes, and superlative maps, this comprehensive guide explores how the techniques and technology have developed throughout human history

• Introduction
• In the beginning: the first maps
• Surveys and sketches : gathering the information
• Whys and wherefores : the purpose of maps
• Old timers : the first map-makers
• In the round : globes and spheres
• Surface matters : materials for drawing maps
• A map of many parts : the components of a map
• Going nowhere : places which weren't there
• The drawing room : key cartographers from the golden age to the modern age
• Mighty maps : mapping superlatives
• A map in hand : the purposes to which maps have been put