Around the World in 80 Maps

Looking at historical maps provides singular insight into the ways that past civilizations and societies saw the world and their place in it, suggests Hibbert, in a book that includes 80 antique maps spanning countries, continents, regions, and cities, dating back as far as the 13th century. The maps are striking in their variety—an 1869 map of Spain and Portugal taken from an atlas called Geographical Fun pictures the countries as a clothed bear standing face to face with a woman whose gown and veil fill out Spain’s borders, while more traditional maps feature reflect the importance of ports and naval routes in a world dominated by sea travel. Seek-and-find prompts and informational bursts dot the maps, but the book’s format doesn’t let the maps shine: the small reproduction sizes make deciphering details difficult. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)