Representing the Republic
Mapping the United States, 1600–1900
John Rennie ShortProvides an account of the mapping of the United States from its colonial origins to 1900. Many of the significant maps and mapmakers are discussed in a chronological narrative that begins with the first European mappings of the New Netherlands and concludes with the McNally atlases of the 1890s.
Representing the Republic provides an intriguing account of the mapping of America from its colonial origins to 1900. The most significant maps and mapmakers are discussed in a survey that begins with the first European mappings of New Netherlands in the early seventeenth century and concludes with the Rand McNally atlases of the 1890s.
Maps tell us a great deal about the transformation of America's national identity. Having undertaken extensive research in map collections, including work with rare archival materials, prominent geographer John Rennie Short provides an account of how maps have both embodied and reflected power, conflict and territorial expansion over time, opening a new perspective on North American history and geography.
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[a] fascinating and generously illustrated book
'The Guardian
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a fascinating book . . . admirably illustrated with some 60 map reproductions
'Choice
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[Short's] analysis is refreshingly unpretentious and relies upon telling a story, by focusing upon emblematic maps and key individuals
'Society of Cartographers' Bulletin
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an important work that students of the history of American cartography will want to own
'Imago Mundi
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Those interested in understanding the history of the United States land settlement, measurement and public distribution will find this book both useful and entertaining. I am reminded of an axiom stating, nothing can be properly managed unless it can be measured. This book does a fine job of explaining how this was done with Americas land.
'California Map Society
Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART I: REPRESENTING THE NEW STATE
1. 'The Seeking Out and Discovery of Courses, Havens, Countries, and Places'
2. Representing the New Netherlands
3. Imperial Claims
4. Representing the New State
PART II: REPRESENTING THE REPUBLIC
5. A New Mode of Thinking
6. The Father of American Geography
7. A Sensible Foreigner
8. Mapmaking in Philadelphia
PART III: REPRESENTING THE NATION
9. Inscribing the National Landscape
10. Constructing the National Community
12. Locating the National Economy
13. A Postcolonial Postscript
References
Select Bibliography
Index
John Rennie Short is Emeritus Professor at the School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His many books include The Urban Now: Living in an Age of Global Urbanism (2023).
