Course:LIBR548F/2010WT1/Historical Atlases

Historical Atlases

Introduction

Historical atlases are collections of maps usually drawn long after the moment depicted in order to provide a geographical context to past events or conditions. Historical atlases should not be confused with atlases having intrinsic documentary value or atlases originating in the past and embodying cartography of that time. Traditionally historical atlases took a book format, however, modern historical atlases may be found in a variety of formats, including electronic. The earliest printed historical atlas originated in China, however, historical atlases truly developed from a European tradition.

Study

The study of historical atlases by scholars is lacking. Very few works exist that investigate the historical atlas alone. The two prominent scholars who have written on this subject are Jeremy Black and Walter A. Goffart. Both scholars have identified a need for further study in this area.

Designs

Historical atlases follow three designs: Passive, comparative and synchronic.

• Passive designs are portrayals of momentary events or actions.

• Comparative designs juxtapose two or more events, times, actions or other themes.

• Synchronic designs, also called dynamic, put events of a century or more together.

Pre-1500

The Lidai Dili Zhi Zhang Tu (Easy to use maps of geography through the dynasties) is the oldest known printed Chinese historical atlas.. It was created in the 12th century and attributed to Shui Anli. The atlas was a collection of 44 maps of the dynastic territories spanning many centuries. A reproduction of the atlas was published in 1989. Interest in historical atlases faded in China, therefore the development of this form primarily occurred in Europe.

1500 to 1699

Although many instances of individual maps and maps included in other works abound in the middle ages of Europe, their development truly began since the 1470’s with the development of printing in the Renaissance. The production of historical atlases at this time is a reflection on the increasing interest in and understanding of cartography. Other thematic maps also developed at this time and were refined through the mid-17th century. Also in the 17th century, there was an increasing tendency for historians and readers of history to relate time to place.

Abraham Ortelius (1527-98) is often credited with creating the first published historical atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, published in 1579. The author claimed the atlas was, “dedicated to the understanding of history”. Other historical atlases followed on similar themes such as biblical atlases and classical atlases. In fact, many of the great cartographers of the 16th and 17th centuries published maps to illustrate biblical history.The study of the bible and classical literature was considered essential to an upper class education, therefore the demand for historical atlases increased. At this time, little attention was given to arranging atlases sequentially or chronologically.

1700 to 1899

In the 17th and 18th centuries, a sense of accuracy of the maps contained within historical atlases grew. Having better and more accurate maps made it easier to understand the historical subjects. These improvements are due largely to an increase in cadastral maps and military surveys, an improved measurement of longitude and newly adopted mapping conventions, such as placing North at the top of the map.

Classical and biblical themes continued to be of high importance to historical atlases into the 19th century. Both subjects benefited greatly from an increase in archaeological research. Other themes were also being explored at this time in greater numbers. Historical atlases with a military theme were also popular. Accuracy was increased further as the printing of colour became easier and therefore more information could be printed on the maps.

1900 to Present

With the early 20th century came the establishment of universal schooling systems organized on a national basis. Additionally, there was a growth of academic history and geography at the university level. These factors increased the demand for historical atlases.

In the years after the second world war, politics played a great role in the production of historical atlases. At this time, the number of states producing their own historical atlases increased.

Currently, many more kinds of historical atlases are produced than ever before. New kinds of works are being produced including socially, economically, and culturally themed historical atlases. Atlases are also being produced in a variety of formats, such as electronic.

Selected historical atlases

• 1500s - Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Abraham Ortelius, 1579

• 1600s - Introductio in universam geographiam, tam veterem quam novam, Philippus Cluverius, 1629

• 1700s - Atlas Historique, Anonymous, published by Zacharias Chatelain, 1705

• 1800s - Edward Quin's Historical atlas (new edn London, 1856)

• 1900s - Putzger's Historischer Schul-Atlas (Bielefeld and Leipzig, e.g. 1903, 1937 editions)

Annotated bibliography

Goffart, Walter A. Historical Atlases: The First Three Hundred Years, 1570-1870. London: University of Chicago Press, 2003.

Goffart offers a great introduction to the historical atlas. He is primarily interested in specific atlases and maps in certain eras and their influence on the genre. Goffart’s work follows the production of historical atlases across time in a meaningful and intelligent way that is simple to follow.

Black, Jeremy. “Historical Atlases.” The Historical Journal 37.3 (Sept 1994), 643-667.

This article was written before Black’s book Maps and History was published. Unlike the book, the article focuses solely on historical atlases. It offers a good introduction and time line of production of the historical atlas through time. Black, unlike Goffart, focuses on the changing styles and themes of the atlases. Black also makes good use of examples of atlases in this work. The author uses clear and concise language that makes his article easier and more enjoyable to read than Goffart.

Black, Jeremy. Maps and History: Constructing Images of the Past. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997.

Black’s book is pivotal to the understanding of historical atlases. Although one must sift through the cases of individual maps and non-historical atlases, this work matches Goffart in completeness, yet is easier to follow and simpler to read. Black covers developments from pre-history to modern historical atlas production. This book considers the themes and trends in map production that heavily influenced historical atlas compilers.