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 space they depict, but also about the map-maker and his or her intended audience. Recommended… (altro)

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 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.… (altro)