The Compleat Plattmaker: Essays on Chart, Map, and Globe Making

In this review of The Compleat Plattmaker, the reviewer finds a focused, scholarly collection ideal for readers who want a deep look at English cartography in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Drawing on the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library at UCLA, the book offers detailed essays that illuminate the technical and cultural shifts in mapmaking, chartmaking, and globe production. The single biggest reason to buy is the book's archival grounding and close readings of figures like Edmond Halley and the Thames School, which make it valuable to historians, cartographers, and serious map enthusiasts.

Key Features

• Archival research: Essays draw on primary holdings from the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, providing firsthand evidence and rare examples.
• Historical focus: Detailed coverage of seventeenth and eighteenth century England helps readers trace the evolution of cartographic practice over time.
• Profiles of key figures: Close study of contributors such as Edmond Halley highlights pioneering approaches to thematic mapping and scientific methods.
• Technical interest: Discussions of surveying and engraving techniques explain how practical advances shaped the look and accuracy of maps and charts.
• Bridge between manuscript and print: Examination of the Thames School and chartmakers clarifies how production methods shifted during a period of commercial and intellectual change.

Who It's For

The Compleat Plattmaker is best for historians of science, professional and amateur cartographers, and collectors who appreciate deep archival work and specialized scholarship on English mapmaking. Librarians, graduate students, and museum curators will find the essays useful for research and exhibition context.

This is less suitable for casual readers seeking a general survey of world maps or flashy reproductions; the book emphasizes scholarly essays and close analysis rather than lavish, popular illustrations or a broad global narrative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-researched essays grounded in primary materials from a major research library.
• Illuminates technical developments in surveying, engraving, and chart production with clear examples.
• Insightful profiles of individuals such as Edmond Halley and the Thames School that contextualize broader changes.

Cons

• Scholarly tone and focus may feel dense to readers seeking a general or heavily illustrated coffee-table book.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Compleat Plattmaker is a worthwhile purchase for anyone needing a focused, archival-backed study of English cartography during a formative era. Its essays offer practical and biographical insight that make it good value for researchers, curators, and dedicated map collectors, though casual readers may prefer a more visual or general introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include original sources from archives?
Yes. The essays draw on primary holdings and materials from the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library at UCLA.

Is the book suitable for general readers?
It is primarily scholarly in tone; interested general readers can benefit, but should expect dense, research-focused essays rather than a pictorial overview.

Are figures like Edmond Halley covered in depth?
Yes. The volume includes focused examination of key figures such as Edmond Halley and their contributions to thematic mapping and scientific methods.