Off the Map: The Curious Histories of Place-Names
by By Nelson, Derek
Category: Science , Earth Sciences , Geography

The names of places can reflect linguistic or ethnic conflicts; errors in boundary-setting and mapmaking; or the story of the exploration, conquest, or liberation of the area. The author's extensive discussion of the history of cartography notes the degree to which the discipline has been influenced by ignorance, mythic beliefs, greed, and politics. Includes numerous reproductions of old maps. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.