Ptolemy's Geography

Ptolomy's "Geography" is the only book on cartography to have survived from the classical period and one of the most influential scientific works of all time. This text provides a translation of "Geography" with a thorough introduction.

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Ptolemy's Geography, the only book on cartography to have survived from the classical period, is one of the most influential scientific works of all time. Written in the second century A.D., for more than fifteen centuries it was the most detailed topography of Europe and Asia available and the best reference on how to gather data and draw maps. Here, Berggren and Jones render an exemplary translation of the Geography and provide a thorough introduction, which treats the historical and technical background of Ptolemy's work, the contents of the Geography, and the later history of the work. Also included here are unique color reproductions of maps from manuscripts and early printed editions of the text, representative of the beautiful and practical cartographic artistry that flowed from Ptolemy's work. Historians of science, classicists, and anyone who enjoys beautiful maps or mapmaking will find this work an indispensable addition to their library.