[posted to MapHist, lismaps and LIBER GdeC]
On the first day of the year, Richard Betz drew the list's attention to a
new publication: Rodney Shirley's 'Maps in the Atlases of the British
Library: a Descriptive Catalogue c. AD 850-1800', 2 volumes with CD indexes
(British Library Publications, 2004). ISBN 071234799 2. The timing was
appropriate because I am certain that this will be seen as one of the most
important map history publications of this year. I would like to add a few
further comments.
Traditional British Museum/British Library policy had been to catalogue the
atlas as a whole, not the individual maps it contained. It was in the mid
1980s when Rodney and I (then Map Librarian) first discussed the possibility
of his providing descriptions of the BL's atlas maps. I am sure that he did
not realise then quite what he had committed himself to.
The statistics of what he has done are extraordinary. 2,920 pre-1800
printed atlases, and 200 manuscript ones, have been described. In all, over
56,000 maps have been listed. By stretching 'atlas' to include all works
with at least nine maps, he has moved a considerable way along the 'last
frontier', represented by the elusive maps that illustrate printed works.
Only the Nordenskiöld Collection catalogue provides a precedent.
'Maps in the Atlases of the British Library' is both a catalogue of one of
the world's greatest map collections and a descriptive bibliography that
demonstrates the author's wide range of knowledge. Rodney will be well
known to most on this list for his monumental work on early world maps, not
to mention studies on the mapping of the British Isles, besides a range of
other topics. These volumes will supplement the well-known classics by
Koeman/van der Krogt, Pastoureau, Skelton, et al. Of particular interest
will be his analysis of over 100 unpredictable 'composite' atlases. The
Appendixes are a goldmine, including comments on special bindings, thematic
atlases and those in fine colour, which will be an invaluable aid for any
author seeking an illustration.
There are interesting books, challenging books, pretty books - but very few
that can lay claim to the title 'essential'. Rodney's is undoubtedly one of
those and I am proud to have been associated with such a marvellous
achievement. If you can acquire it, do so - but strengthen your shelves
first. Otherwise make sure that your university or research library acquires
a copy, and find out just how much is in it. I have only hinted at its
riches.
Tony Campbell
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