Mercator: The Man Who Mapped The Planet

Nicholas Crane

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Gerard Mercator (1512-1594) was born at the dawn of the Age of Discovery, when the world was beginning to be discovered and carved up by navigators, geographers and cartographers. Mercator was the greatest and most ingenious cartographer of them all: it was he who coined the word 'atlas' and solved the riddle of converting the three-dimensional globe into a two-dimensional map while retaining true compass bearings. It is Mercator's Projection that NASA are using today to map Mars. How did Mercator reconcile his religious beliefs with a science that would make Christian maps obsolete? How did a man whose imagination roamed continents endure imprisonment by the Inquisition? Crane brings this great man vividly to life, underlying it with colour illustrations of the maps themselves: maps that brought to a rapt public wonders as remarkable as today's cyber-world.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Life of Gerard Mercator: The book provides an in-depth look at the life and work of Gerard Mercator, detailing his upbringing, education, and career as a cartographer.

  2. Innovative Mapmaking Techniques: Mercator developed innovative mapmaking techniques, including the Mercator projection, which revolutionized the way maps were created and used.

  3. Contributions to Navigation: Mercator's maps were instrumental in improving navigation and exploration during the Age of Discovery, allowing sailors to plot more accurate courses across the oceans.

  4. Scientific and Mathematical Contributions: The book explores Mercator's contributions to science and mathematics, including his advancements in geography, astronomy, and trigonometry.

  5. Challenges and Controversies: Mercator faced challenges and controversies during his lifetime, including political and religious persecution due to his Protestant beliefs.

  6. Legacy of Mercator's Maps: Mercator's maps had a lasting impact on cartography and geography, shaping our understanding of the world and influencing future generations of mapmakers.

  7. Global Perspective: The book provides a global perspective on Mercator's work, highlighting its significance beyond Europe and its role in shaping our understanding of the entire planet.

  8. Historical Context: Crane situates Mercator's life and work within the broader historical context of the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Age of Exploration.

  9. Technological Advances: The book discusses the technological advances and innovations that enabled Mercator to create his detailed and accurate maps, including improvements in printing and surveying techniques.

  10. Inspiration and Influence: Mercator's life story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Language English
ISBN-10 075381692X
ISBN-13 9780753816929
No of pages 416
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Orion Publishing Group
Published Date 05 Jun 2003

About Author

Author : Nicholas Crane

2 Books

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