Shedding the Veil is a highly original overview of Europe's exploration and discovery beyond her own confines. It tackles the subject via an analysis of maps dating from circa 1434 to 1865, with an emphasis on the period before 1600. The book begins with an appraisal of the peculiar circumstances which led late medieval Europe to pursue long-distance travel, both overland and by sea, introduces cosmographic traditions inherited from classical times, and investigates pre-Columbian excursions into the western ocean. Finally, the great voyages and mappaemundi of the early sixteenth century are described in depth. After 1600 the focus begins to narrow North America and particularly to the colonization of the American Northeast. All maps discussed in detail are illustrated. 40 full-page b/w plates, 25 full-page color plates.
Contents:
- Part One: A World Called Europe:
- Precedents
- The World As Known to Medieval Europe
- Classical Enlightenment: The Renaissance Before Columbus
- Part Two: A New World:
- The Western Antipodes?
- The Race to Skirt America
- Truly a Fourth Part of the Globe
- Part Three: Early Colonization:
- The British and French
- The Dutch
- Pre- and Post- Revolution
Readership: General.
“… it is wonderful that a single collector could put together such treasures! The author provides readers with good information in a spritely manner … The Book is physically attractive, and the sixty-five illustrations (40 black and white; 25 color) are good. According to David Jolly in the flyer about the book, it will be sought after by collectors and dealers. In my opinion scholars could learn much from it as well … The book offers a lively text about some very interesting and rare maps.”
Meridian
“It is based on selected items from the collection of Sidney R Knafel, the quality and depth of which is clearly shown in the book … It is good to see such a well illustrated book, and a work in which the discussions are clear, concise and informative … An unusual feature is the binding of the book which is imitation leather rather than the usual cloth binding. This should ensure its longevity.”
The Map Collector
“The individual entries not only describe the map, but contain a wealth of information on the historial context of each item. Many obscure but interesting sidelights are given … More than 300 footnotes and an extensive index evidence just how wide-ranging this work is … any collector or dealer will find this a valuable addition to their reference library.”
Antique Map Handbook
“The many explanatory footnotes will be of interest and help to less expert readers … Mr Knafel, the collector; Mr Suarez the compiler, and the publisher deserve credit for an outstanding production that should please cartomaniacs very much.”
Cartomania Spring
“This recently published book is probably the best book available on the early maps of the dsicovery period. It also covers some important later maps chiefly relating to New England. The book is destined to be a classic.”
Paul Mahoney
“In this well produced book, Thomas Suárez illustrates and describes 61 maps and globes in the Sidney R Knafel Collection. The maps were produced between 1472 and 1865, a period which saw considerable developments in exploration, science and map-making … he shows wide knowledge and scholarship.”
IMCOS Journal
“The book's excellent scholarly commentary on the 61 maps discussed and illustrated sets it apart from the many coffee table publications which have appeared in recent years.”
Society for the History of Discoveries
“This book provide a very personal, interpretive look at important early map of the Americas … I enjoyed the journey — and know I will return to this book again and again. Mr Suarez has great respect for the maps he describes, both for their cartographic artistry and the intellectual puzzles they present us … This book represents a welcome and unusual linking of private collector, dealer, publisher and exhibitors.”
Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives
“Shedding the Veil is a welcome overview of an extensive private collection for which no catalogue had been published. For individuals interested in the history of cartography, Suárez serves as a knowledgeable guide to these cartographic documents, interpreting them in the light of the historical, political and cultural context in which they were shaped.”
Cartographica
