Antique Maps Collection (2-CD Set)

Are you a collector of antiques or do you simply have a fleeting interest in the history of cartography? These CDs are a jewel box of the best maps made between the 16th and the 20th centuries! Witness how the work of cartographers evolved from sketchy drawings to detailed records. Only this rare, unique and historic set of CD offers you the opportunity of examining maps that span five centuries of the world's history! It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where the science of mapmaking was born. Evidence gathered from as far away as the South Seas suggests that a form of mapmaking had been in existence for centuries when explorers reached the islands. There is evidence that the Chinese used maps in 7 B.C. In 150 A.D. Ptolemy defined in Geography the elements and form of scientific cartography. His proposed system of projections and coordinate systems are still used today.

The earliest European maps were more ecclesiastical than cartographic. In the 16th century, Mercator designed a map that allowed mariners to sail to their destinations by following a fixed rule called a rhumb line.

By the 19th century, Europeans had graduated to the use of the metric system, which made map reading and understanding much easier. In between these significant dates and events, several cartographers designed maps that became progressively more accurate with the advances in knowledge, information and technology.

Today, with the help of satellites and computers, the science of mapmaking has reached its zenith. John Noble Wilford sums it up this way in The Mapmakers "The character and technology of mapmaking may have changed over the centuries, but the potential of maps has not. Maps embody a perspective of that which is known and a perception of that which may be worth knowing."

Sample thumbnails taken from the collection. Click on image to view larger picture.

The 234 antique maps that you can examine in these CDs are hand picked from the works of master cartographers and cover a five-century span of cartographical history (1570 - 1903). Abraham Ortelius, Niclaes Visscher, Battista Agnese and William Harvey are among the better-known cartographers whose maps can be studied in these CDs.

These maps are characterized by the detailed information they furnish in terms of boundaries, cities, towns, sea routes, and elevations. The use of color to accentuate boundaries and differentiate countries and regions is evident in many maps. Information about the period the map belongs to and the name of the cartographer makes the study of these maps easier.

EDITORIAL REVIEW:

The art of cartography became progressively more refined and accurate with advancements in science and technology. The 16th century marked the beginning of a new age in scientific discoveries and this is reflected in the maps included in these CDs.

Many of these maps are the work of Abraham Ortelius who is aptly called the "Father of Modern Cartography". Ortelius developed the idea of putting together a collection of maps to form an atlas and did so with characteristic skill and success.

The 16th century was the time of exploring the world and recording the findings in charts. Ortelius' atlas was unique in that it furnished, for the first time, a description of the maps. In recent years Ortelius maps have become scarce. What these maps lack in terms of accuracy, they more than make up for with their highly decorative drawings of ships, monsters, mermaids, cartouches and topographic detail.

Another mapmaker of note from that era was Battista Agnese whose style and presentation were unique, highly imaginative and artistic as is witnessed in the 14 charts included in this CD. William Harvey's use of vivid imagery to depict European nations of the times is fascinating, colorful and a feast for the eyes. While being recognized as works of exquisite art, they provide a fairly accurate outline of several European nations.

Frederico de Wit, whose maps are included in this fascinating compilation, was an important engraver and publisher following the decline of the Blaeu business. He acquired and published a number of their plates. His works were very popular and were reprinted for many years.

The progressive march towards refinement and emphasis on accuracy is evident as you study the maps in chronological order. The 20th century map of India epitomizes the accuracy mapmakers had achieved by this time. Commentaries furnished with many of the maps provide biographical information related to engraving and printing and extensive narrative on the sources of the geographical content of the maps. Many of the main legends are translated into English and make detailed analysis easier. The provision made for zooming in on specific areas of maps facilitates a detailed study of desired maps and charts.

While providing an entertaining viewing for the casual browser, these CDs provide the more studious examiner with an opportunity of making an in-depth exploration of maps from some of the best cartographers from the 16th to the 20th century.

These CDs are illuminating in their content and exhaustive in their coverage. I can assure any student of history that the time spent in studying the contents of this CD will be worth your while!

CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS:

"Putting all these unique maps on these CDs was a stroke of genius! They provide the user with an opportunity of making an in-depth as well as complete exploration of the 200 or more maps by some of the best-known mapmakers. The reproduction of all the maps is fabulous and the headers put the maps in chronological perspective."

Customer's Name: Bobby Taylor (Lincoln, Nebraska)