Mapping Virginia: From the Age of Exploration to the Civil War
Mapping Virginiaprovides a richly illustrated, comprehensive, and insightful view of how mapmakers perceived Virginia and how their vision changed over time to influence the cultural identity of the birthplace of our nation. William C. Wooldridge has meticulously researched over 300 of the most important and influential Virginia maps to provide an invaluable cartographic and historical resource that must certainly adorn the bookshelves of anyone interested in either history or maps.(Margaret Beck Pritchard, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)An indispensable addition to Chesapeake carto-bibliography by the dean of Virginia map collectors. Bill Wooldridge is also an able scholar. He carefully describes 300 maps from the largest private collection of early Virginia maps ever assembled and relates them to the broader currents of Virginia's history and cartographic evolution. His treatment is revelatory and unique.(Henry G. Taliaferro, Cohen & Taliaferro LLC, Rare and Antiquarian Maps)Readers can open the book at random and quickly lose themselves in vicarious journeys. But the enduring power ofMapping Virginiamight lie in Wooldridge’s ability to deconstruct maps and show us how much more interesting they are than mere scientific recordings could ever be.(Richmond Times-Dispatch)[Over the course of] 40 years, Wooldridge compiled one of the most significant collections of historic Virginia maps ever assembled. More than 300 of the 'most important and influential' maps dating from the 16th century to just prior to the dawn of the 20th century are contained in his new book, 'Mapping Virginia.'"(Daily Progress)When Roanoker Bill Wooldridge paid $35 for a three-centuries-old Virginia map in a Heidelberg, Germany, shop he was hooked on map collecting. Forty years later, he has assembled an unusual collection of more than 300 maps for a beautiful book 'Mapping Virginia.'... For his commitment, he has been called 'the dean of Virginia map collectors.'... The book is the result of Wooldridge's prodigious research in geography and history.(Roanoke Times)Bill Wooldridge's 'Mapping Virginia' addresses the question of what Virginia maps say about Virginia history. More than presenting a history of Virginia's borders, Wooldridge analyzes and explores each map's underlying message to uncover a comprehensive and captivating story. Ultimately, 'Mapping Virginia' is a book about Virginia's evolving identity represented through mapping.(Albemarle Magazine)A volume of beautifully reproduced, full-color maps accompanied by commentary that empowers the general reader to explore the 'idea of Virginia' and the evolution of its boundaries.... VERDICT This fascinating and lavish volume will appeal to map mavens everywhere as well as collectors of Virginiana.(Library Journal starred review)Written for the general reader as well as the map connoisseur. The book's chronological presentation of virtually all maps ever made of the Commonwealth 'demonstrates the remarkable process by which Virginia gradually, magically revealed its form to the collective mind.'... Lavishly illustrated.(The Piedmont Virginian)[A] magnificent book from every angle... subject matter, content, design, authorship, comprehensiveness, readability, authority, craftsmanship, achievement... a landmark in the history of presenting maps... insightful and persuasive.(North Carolina Historical Review)