Mark Monmonier

How to Lie with Maps

Notify me when the book’s added
To read this book, upload an EPUB or FB2 file to Bookmate. How do I upload a book?
Originally published to wide acclaim, this lively, cleverly illustrated essay on the use and abuse of maps teaches us how to evaluate maps critically and promotes a healthy skepticism about these easy-to-manipulate models of reality. Monmonier shows that, despite their immense value, maps lie. In fact, they must.The second edition is updated with the addition of two new chapters, 10 color plates, and a new foreword by renowned geographer H. J. de Blij. One new chapter examines the role of national interest and cultural values in national mapping organizations, including the United States Geological Survey, while the other explores the new breed of multimedia, computer-based maps.To show how maps distort, Monmonier introduces basic principles of mapmaking, gives entertaining examples of the misuse of maps in situations from zoning disputes to census reports, and covers all the typical kinds of distortions from deliberate oversimplifications to the misleading use of color.&quote;Professor Monmonier himself knows how to gain our attention; it is not in fact the lies in maps but their truth, if always approximate and incomplete, that he wants us to admire and use, even to draw for ourselves on the facile screen. His is an artful and funny book, which like any good map, packs plenty in little space.&quote;-Scientific American&quote;A useful guide to a subject most people probably take too much for granted. It shows how map makers translate abstract data into eye-catching cartograms, as they are called. It combats cartographic illiteracy. It fights cartophobia. It may even teach you to find your way. For that alone, it seems worthwhile.&quote;-Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, The New York Times&quote;. . . witty examination of how and why maps lie. [The book] conveys an important message about how statistics of any kind can be manipulated. But it also communicates much of the challenge, aesthetic appeal, and sheer fun of maps. Even those who hated geography in grammar school might well find a new enthusiasm for the subject after reading Monmonier's lively and surprising book.&quote;-Wilson Library Bulletin&quote;A reading of this book will leave you much better defended against cheap atlases, shoddy journalism, unscrupulous advertisers, predatory special-interest groups, and others who may use or abuse maps at your expense.&quote;-John Van Pelt, Christian Science Monitor&quote;Monmonier meets his goal admirably. . . . [His] book should be put on every map user's 'must read' list. It is informative and readable . . . a big step forward in helping us to understand how maps can mislead their readers.&quote;-Jeffrey S. Murray, Canadian Geographic
This book is currently unavailable
341 printed pages
Original publication
2018
Publication year
2018
Have you already read it? How did you like it?
👍👎

Quotes

  • Zeltzin Palacioshas quoted3 years ago
    Ratio and verbal scales are useless on video maps, since television screens and thus the map scales vary widely and unpredictably.
  • Zeltzin Palacioshas quoted3 years ago
    Graphic scales are particularly safe when a newspaper or magazine publisher might reduce or enlarge the map without consulting the mapmaker.
  • Zeltzin Palacioshas quoted3 years ago
    I want to make readers aware that maps, like speeches and paintings, are authored collections of information and also are subject to distortions arising from ignorance, greed, ideological blindness, or malice.
fb2epub
Drag & drop your files (not more than 5 at once)