Medieval maps
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Choice Review
Harvey (University of Durham) has written a primer on medieval maps. Beautifully illustrated (77 plates, most in color), the text summarizes the little that is known of medieval maps, for "maps were practically unknown in the middle ages." Chapters on world maps before 1400, portolano charts before 1400, the 15th century, and maps of regions and localities (Harvey's specialty) show the connection of mapmaking to important themes in medieval history. An apparently decisive break with Roman traditions before 1000, and the key role of seaborne trade in creating a new mapping tradition and (literally) new view of the world, stand out as examples. But the text is often too brief, raising fascinating questions without a clue as to answers. For instance, maps as a window into the medieval mind and the connection of picture maps (rare) to word maps (common) are inadequately discussed. The lack of footnotes and an very short guide to further reading (no complete bibliography) aggravate this problem. But the clarity of the text and, above all, the illustrations make this a valuable general and undergraduate introduction to medieval maps.-S. Morillo, Wabash College