Monarchs, Ministers, and Maps: The Emergence of Cartography as a Tool of Government in Early Modern Europe

In the sixteenth century, European rulers attempting to consolidate their power realized that better knowledge of their lands would strengthen their control over them. By 1550, the cartographer's art had already become an important instrument for bringing territories under the control of centralized government; increasing governmental reliance on maps stimulated the refinement of cartographic techniques throughout the following century. This volume, a detailed survey of the political uses of cartography between 1400 and 1700 in Italy, France, England, Poland, Austria, and Spain, answers these questions: When did monarchs and ministers begin to perceive that maps could be useful in government? For what purposes were maps commissioned? How accurate and useful were they? How did cartographic knowledge strengthen the hand of government? The chapters offer new insights into the development of cartography and its role in European history. Contributors to the volume are John Marino, Peter Barber, David Buisseret, Geoffrey Parker, James Vann, and Michael J. Mikòs.