The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History. Arthur Jay Klinghoffer

The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History



Download The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History



The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History Arthur Jay Klinghoffer ebook pdf
Publisher:
Language: English
Page: 210
ISBN: 0275991350, 9780313082511

From

For all its alluring impression of objectivity, a map does have a point of view, an amalgam of its underlying geometric projection, geographic names, color schemes, and intended use. Readers of Marc Monmonier's popular cartographic histories (e.g., How to Lie with Maps, 1991) should take to this nontechnical excursion through the subject by political science professor Klinghoffer. As the title implies, Klinghoffer's book explores map development as an instrument of state. After summarizing the Christian cosmography of medieval maps, he sets up the state of geographic knowledge on the eve of Columbus and proceeds to the expansion of mapmaking in the early 1500s. Klinghoffer turns over the assumptions and content of Age of Discovery maps, as well as those of maps depicting territorial claims during the period of European imperialism. For the inevitable reaction to Eurocentric cartography, Klinghoffer introduces Arno Peters, who upset the field in the 1960s with his quasi-Marxist criticisms. Crowded with interesting examples of geographical names as objects of political contention, Klinghoffer's work is worth a look from geography enthusiasts. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"[E]xamines how different cultures view the world through the study of maps."

-

Courier-Post (Cherry Hill, New Jersey)

"Crowded with interesting examples of geographical names as objects of political contention. Klinghoffer's work is worth a look."

-

Booklist

"The Earth is spherical: to represent it accurately on a flat surface, e.g., a piece of paper, is not mathematically possible. Approximations via projections are, however, legion. Klinghoffer provides readers with a global survey of cartographic practice established over several centuries, revealing that choice of markers is arbitrary. Parallels of latitude, meridians of longitude, location of the prime meridian, the fact that mapmakers now place north to the top of the map--all owe to cultural choice. All maps are made for a reason. Maps of politicians, salespeople, warmongers, and peacemakers are invariably designed for a cause--buyer, beware! Yet the aphorism one map is worth ten thousand words has so often proved true. Klinghoffer provides innumerable examples of an interdisciplinary nature in this book, revealing the way in which maps and their projections both reflect and determine human destinies. Endnotes and index are especially helpful adjuncts to an interesting book that will hold appeal for an extended readership. Recommended. All levels/libraries."

-

Choice

"In cartography, projection is the technique of representing the curved surface of the earth on a two-dimensional map; in political science, the projection of power is a polite way of saying military bullying. Klinghoffer finds that the two are not that different, and shows how the manner of making maps through the ages have reflected the political philosophies and aspirations of those who commissioned and used them."

-

Reference & Research Book News



MORE EBOOKS:







Tags: The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History ebook pdf djvu epub
The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History download pdf epub djvu
Download The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History free ebook pdf
Read The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History online book
The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History cheap ebook for kindle and nook
The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History download book
Arthur Jay Klinghoffer ebooks
The Power of Projections: How Maps Reflect Global Politics and History download pdf rapidshare mediafire fileserve 4shared torrent