The Shape of Things: How Mapmakers Picture Our World

The Shape of Things paints a broad-strokes picture of how maps changed throughout history. Beginning with prehistoric cave markings, we move through the papyrus and clay tablets to charts and surveyed layouts that more and more closely resemble what we know as maps today.

This book focuses on the types of materials used for maps, with a high-level look at some of the tools that were used for measurements. It's a great introduction to historical cartography without getting technical or lost in the details.

I was a little surprised how little is said about the actual mechanics of mapmaking. How did people decide what to draw? Knowing what tools they had is a good start, but it's the jump between measurements and map-on-paper where the magic of making a map really happens.

How did mapmakers know they were right? What happened when two maps disagreed? This book might not have all answers, but it's a great springboard for discussion and a good read for those interested in history, science, or how the world works around them.