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1mirrani
I got this book because I needed the decimal number for my Dewey Decimal challenge. I wasn't really looking forward to reading about maps, even though I enjoy planning out trips with them. I was curious, I wanted something fun and entertaining, but something that would also teach me something. I couldn't put this book down. I loved it. It covers the first maps, movie maps, Skyrim. (Yeah, I said it.) You can't go wrong. You really can't. And the writing style! Well, the fact that I'm posting notes after so many books I didn't make notes on... that says something. :)
For the Internet has effected an extraordinary and significant change. Before astronomers faced the gallows for suggesting otherwise, our earth stood firmly at the center of the cosmos; not so long ago, we placed Jerusalem at the center of our maps; or if we lived in China, Youzhou. Later, it might be Britain or France, at the heart of their empires. But now we each stand, individually, at the center of our own map worlds. On our computers, phones and cars, we plot a route not from A to B but from ourselves ("Allow current location") to anywhere of our choosing; every distance is measured from where we stand, and as we travel we are ourselves mapped, voluntarily or otherwise. p19 - This also comes full circle in an amazing way at the end of the book. Well done!
On the Hereford map, everywhere except Paradise seems reachable in sturdy vessels, and even the fiercest beasts look biddable. And then it struck me: In 1290, unlike today, there seemed to be little left to explore, and no great wilderness or sea to detain you long. Unfathomable sea monsters and great white polar silences only came later. The simple message here is: we've done our work in this place, for the inhabitable world is laid down on the back of a calf. So what remains for us mere mortals? Only miracles, a higher calling and things forever beyond our grasp. Spread the word, pilgrims. p57
Talking about mapping north america: ("Ownership" and "discovery" are onerous words, of course, considering the islands in quetion were already occupied by an indigenous population.) p110 - Glad that was pointed out.
Transitions to next chapter are always compelling.
It wasn't the last of Morrell's fabrications to be remove: Morrell Island, in the Hawaiian archipelago, soon followed. However, the modern naval historian Rupert Gould has identified some useful and verifiable Morrell discoveries. Among them - and perhaps a fitting memorial - is Ichaboe Island off the coast of Namibia, which Morrell found to be rich in guano deposits from native seabirds. p222 - Love the humor. This details the fact that the guy made stuff up all the time. You know where I'm going with this. ;)
"Visit shocking crime scenes straight from the headlines," the cover implores. "You get details and prices of these incredible homes!! This is the map the Stars don't want you to have!!!" If there were any more exclamation marks there wouldn't be room for anythign else!!!! -p322 - I literally laughed at this.
p 375 describes the end of the world if GPS went offline. It's a little extreme, but in a way it's true. The book talks about the whole world falling apart, no one could eat or move, basically. Yeah, I see where it's going, but, like I said.. A little extreme. We would all know how to go back to our regular lives, a lot of people would stumble, but we wouldn't starve to death or vanish off the earth.
For the Internet has effected an extraordinary and significant change. Before astronomers faced the gallows for suggesting otherwise, our earth stood firmly at the center of the cosmos; not so long ago, we placed Jerusalem at the center of our maps; or if we lived in China, Youzhou. Later, it might be Britain or France, at the heart of their empires. But now we each stand, individually, at the center of our own map worlds. On our computers, phones and cars, we plot a route not from A to B but from ourselves ("Allow current location") to anywhere of our choosing; every distance is measured from where we stand, and as we travel we are ourselves mapped, voluntarily or otherwise. p19 - This also comes full circle in an amazing way at the end of the book. Well done!
On the Hereford map, everywhere except Paradise seems reachable in sturdy vessels, and even the fiercest beasts look biddable. And then it struck me: In 1290, unlike today, there seemed to be little left to explore, and no great wilderness or sea to detain you long. Unfathomable sea monsters and great white polar silences only came later. The simple message here is: we've done our work in this place, for the inhabitable world is laid down on the back of a calf. So what remains for us mere mortals? Only miracles, a higher calling and things forever beyond our grasp. Spread the word, pilgrims. p57
Talking about mapping north america: ("Ownership" and "discovery" are onerous words, of course, considering the islands in quetion were already occupied by an indigenous population.) p110 - Glad that was pointed out.
Transitions to next chapter are always compelling.
It wasn't the last of Morrell's fabrications to be remove: Morrell Island, in the Hawaiian archipelago, soon followed. However, the modern naval historian Rupert Gould has identified some useful and verifiable Morrell discoveries. Among them - and perhaps a fitting memorial - is Ichaboe Island off the coast of Namibia, which Morrell found to be rich in guano deposits from native seabirds. p222 - Love the humor. This details the fact that the guy made stuff up all the time. You know where I'm going with this. ;)
"Visit shocking crime scenes straight from the headlines," the cover implores. "You get details and prices of these incredible homes!! This is the map the Stars don't want you to have!!!" If there were any more exclamation marks there wouldn't be room for anythign else!!!! -p322 - I literally laughed at this.
p 375 describes the end of the world if GPS went offline. It's a little extreme, but in a way it's true. The book talks about the whole world falling apart, no one could eat or move, basically. Yeah, I see where it's going, but, like I said.. A little extreme. We would all know how to go back to our regular lives, a lot of people would stumble, but we wouldn't starve to death or vanish off the earth.
