172 maps of various subjects, each with a 1-page mini essay arranged chronologically from 1500bc to 2005. Wonderful full-page images.

Beautifully produced and printed with some glorious maps. You'll need a magnifying glass to appreciate some of the finer detail. There's an Anglocentric bias but there is a smattering of interesting stuff from around the world and it was nice to see GIS covered at the end. I used to do a bit of GIS mapping for DEFRA. If there's a fault it's that the text is too brief. I think they've gone for the type size as they have to complement the design but I would have preferred something a little more in depth. Still, there's enough to point you in the right direction if you want to find out more. ( )

This is marvelous book of maps. It progresses the style and use of maps over the centuries. This is a very arge format book, but the reproductions are excellent. Peter Barber's explanations are always good and intriguing, revealing things we had no known before. ( )

A Christmas 2005 gift from my mother.