Codex Epistolaris Carolinus: Letters from the popes to the Frankish rulers, 739-791

Abstract

that the Scientific Revolution introduced to mapping. The ninth chapter addresses the relationship between warfare and cartography, with specific attention paid to advancements made in cartography due to military conflicts. The authors note that the potential range of material is vast, and thus limit themselves to British maps of the twentieth century. The final chapter, entitled The World on the Move, works through the changes that globalisation affected in cartography, particularly the need for projection systems that distort the spherical surface of the Earth into flat two-dimensional images. Mercator’s sixteenth century projection system, which major corporations use in their digital mapping services, continues to promulgate misconceptions about the relative sizes of the continents. In turn, these spatial misconceptions led to problematic worldviews about the Global South that persist to this day. Talking Maps provides its readers an excellent general overview of the interdisciplinary questions one can and should ask of maps. It orients those new to the subject to the complex usages, histories, and materialities of maps in a way that is neither pedantic nor simplistic. As the authors illuminate the facets of cartographic objects, they take care to incorporate cultural history from beyond the United Kingdom and Western Europe in a manner that is largely culturally sensitive. Although, one would prefer that when speaking of Indigenous Peoples the authors would also use their names for themselves, such as referring to the people of the Chuckchi Peninsula as Lyg’oravetl’a. Scholars seeking further information about the secondary literature and theoretical foundations the authors build upon, or the maps themselves, will be disappointed in the limited notes and suggestions for further reading. As mentioned previously, this publication does not include an exhibition catalogue or discussion of the organisation of the exhibition, leaving the reader unclear if the chapters correspond to exhibition sections and without a parcel of concise information about the objects on view. However, the publication’s lack of these scholastic tools makes it a more approachable volume in terms of both length and content. Additionally, the copious high-quality images of maps makes for delightful engagement with the book. Overall, this publication contributes a superb introduction to the social history of cartographic objects that broadens our understanding of maps far beyond the utility of navigation.