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Subject: The Mapmakers--I need more!
From: Tim Whelan (timwh@XXX.XXX)
Date: Tue Nov 26 2002 - 10:52:19 EST
Hello,
I have lurked on this list for a couple years now. A lot of the topics have
gone over my head, but I have greatly enjoyed reading many of the
discussions. I haven't had time to practice using my sextant much lately
(nor have I ever come close to mastering it), but the discussions on this
list have inspired me to pull it out and experiment. Thank you!
Anywho... I am just finishing a book called The Mapmakers, by John Noble
Wilford. Wow! What a great book! I am sure many of you on this list have
already read it, but I thought I would recommend it for the relative novice
like myself. The 500+ page book covers Ptolemy, Magellan, Mercator,
Beaufort, Harrison, Cook, Vancouver (my hero), Lewis & Clark and much, much
more. I think it is written in a manner that the layperson can understand.
Great bang for the buck--$11.20 at Amazon.
The problem with this book is that it left me wanting more! Specifically, I
would love to find a book that focuses more on the history of nautical
charts (The Mapmakers is probably 3/4 about maps and 1/4 about nautical
charts). The Mapmakers teases one with preliminary information about the UK
Hydrographic Office, NOAA and the DMA, but doesn't go into much detail about
those organizations. I would love to read more about about how nautical
charts are created/surveyed and who was instrumental in making it all
happen.
Can anyone recommend a book like The Mapmakers, but is more focused on
nautical charts?
Thank You,
Tim Whelan
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Tim Whelan _/)
Internet: http://www.tgw.net
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