New Books Network The Library of Lost Maps: An Archive of a World in Progress
Nov 28, 2025
Professor James Cheshire, a leading expert in geographic information and cartography, uncovers a forgotten map library at UCL. He explores how maps shaped historical events, from wars to climate change. Listeners learn about discarded maps, the emotional responses they evoke in students, and the hidden stories in used maps. Cheshire discusses the political implications of maps, including the Barbie film controversy and the role of women like Marie Tharp in advancing scientific understanding. His discoveries highlight the enduring importance of cartography in shaping our world.
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Basement Map Library Rediscovery
- James Cheshire found UCL's largely untouched map library in a basement room slated for relocation.
- He spent years sifting dusty drawers and discovered maps that hadn't seen daylight for decades.
Digital Maps Displace Paper Archives
- Digital mapping has made many physical map libraries redundant, causing collections to be discarded or repurposed.
- Physical maps survive in places like UCL, revealing historical layers lost to digital transition.
Fictional Maps Can Trigger Real Politics
- A fictional map in the Barbie film provoked real geopolitics by echoing the Nine-Dash Line controversy.
- Even imagined maps trigger territorial meanings when audiences read them as authoritative.
