Imagined Corners: Exploring The World's First Atlas

Rating:
Summary: Too much information
Review: The author of this book is obviously a considerable scholar -- but he provides us with so much detail on areas related to the Theatrum that it is difficult to focus on his own stated aim : telling us why the atlas was "a watershead publication; it changed lived and altered perceptions for ever". Plus, he has positioned the chapters dealing with the atlas itself at the very back, so we only get to it after wading through Ortelius' life and times and many associates in exhaustive detail. Also, I would have liked to see discussion of some of the current historical map contraversies -- like the Piri Ries maps, or the possible Portaguese discovery of Australia.

Hard for me to maintain my initial enthusiasm.