Katharine A. Harmon

There are aspects to map-making Rand McNally never told us. An objective rendering in two dimensions of the real world? There are so many other ways to map. What about subjective renderings? And imaginary worlds? This book offers a generous selection of both, although one has the impression that this is only scratching the surface of the territory where cartography and art intersect. The essays and maps brought many insights, among them, the consideration that maps not only tell us about the show more space they depict, but also about the map-maker and his or her intended audience. Recommended show less

Normally I am a born sucker for books like this. But this one is too diffuse in its collection and arrangement to inspire a positive emotional response. I love the art in good cartography but what I found here was a haphazard arrangement of art with only a sporadic reference to maps let alone cartography.

In the end I decided it was the title, “The Map as Art…” that built up my hopes for something that simply was not to be – it should have been titled, “Artists explore the theme of show more maps”. Rebrand it with that on the cover and I think it might have warranted three and a half stars in my book, as it is this curmudgeon only rates it two stars for shattered expectations. show less

Arsty-fartsy. I'm not ignorant, but I don't have the true sensibility of an artist, a person who wants to explore philosophical ideas through creation of something startling. So some of these seem like they might be cool if we could actually see them performed (if appropriate), or at least in a gallery, instead of reduced into a book. But most left me cold. I did like the little essays which often gave enough insight to help me appreciate the intent of the author more. But stuff like seeing show more the shapes of the Hawaiian Islands in lichen on a rock and so labeling them doesn't mean art to me. That's just seeing Jesus in a potato chip, sorry. show less

This superbly illustrated book presens a vast collection of map-related art, exploring the works of well-known as well as obscure artists with the same level of detail. Whether as the intrinsic aesthetic element or as a political statement, maps shown in this book all have a story to tell. At the end, I was nevertheless a bit disappointed, since most art pieces somewhat lack that very special combination of relevant data, precision and pure gorgeousness that sends my map-lover's heart racing...