This fascinating book focuses on 100 maps that changed human understanding of the world around us, changed the course of map-making, or directly influenced the path of history. It reveals how different peoples have observed and represented their world through the ages, and how maps have been used for a variety of purposes. A team of experts address the key questions of how, why, and crucially, if, these maps have changed the world. It is illustrated with 100 of the world's most beautiful maps.