Radical Cartography

“Radical Cartography is filled with maps that challenge the dominant narrative… Technical wizardry is constantly expanding the possibilities for visualising patterns in data, but [Rankin’s] point is that the perfect map will never exist… Rather than aspire to neutrality, objectivity and sharp distinctions, map‑makers should embrace uncertainty, subjectivity and multiplicity.”—The Guardian

“Rankin’s real beef is with conventional cartography, which yields boring maps. “Radical,” for him, means questioning assumptions. The result is a series of mind-scrambling maps—of lightning, kissing, slavery, and the moon.”—The New Yorker

“The illustrations and side-by-side comparative maps… beautifully capture Rankin’s points about the power of maps.”—Chicago Review of Books

“Striking… Rankin argues for a “radical” approach to cartography that not only spotlights marginalized groups but also is “less well-behaved,” embracing noise and messiness … Lavishly illustrated with maps and photographs, this stuns.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“An edifying read about the power of maps… These values [Rankin] proposes for radical cartography in maps—uncertainty, multiplicity, and subjectivity—have the potential to be a tool for change.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Rankin effectively makes the case that “radical cartography resists the urge to show the world everywhere as crisp, clear and unambiguous” by embracing uncertainty, multiplicity, and subjectivity. Readers interested in current possibilities in mapmaking and data visualization will appreciate this far-reaching book.”—Booklist

“This is it: the full download from a true genius of cartography. Radical Cartography will make you see maps, and, indeed, your place on the planet, with fresh eyes.”—Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire

“A fearless, fascinating examination of how maps shape our worldview. This revolutionary text strips away the myth of cartographic neutrality, revealing the power structures embedded in every contour line and choice of color.”—Gareth Cook, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former series editor of Best American Infographics

“A groundbreaking and fascinating work, Radical Cartography brings the human back into geography. This is a timely and significant intervention that provides essential tools for challenging authoritative—and authoritarian—voices.”—Paul Richardson, author of Myths of Geography

“Rankin interrogates the very concept of a map, while also showing us how its various elements shape our understanding of reality. Through his attention to both the big picture and consequential details, we see mapmaking in all its complexity: messy, necessary, and full of promise.”—Susan Schulten, author of A History of America in 100 Maps

“A must-read for anyone looking at a map! This is an important plea for more empathy in cartography.”—Sarah Rendgen, author of Information Graphics

“A significant addition to the literature on cartography, this book systematically demonstrates that the graphics of maps are their argument. Readable and engaging, Rankin’s work expands the possibilities of cartographic representation.”—Johanna Drucker, author of Inventing the Alphabet

“As rigorous as it is accessible, Radical Cartography offers a brilliant and imaginative approach to ‘mapping differently.’ Rankin establishes that mapping can be urgent and compelling, with the potential to illuminate vexing social and theoretical problems and, ultimately, to save lives.”—Michael Ralph, author of Forensics of Capital

“Since the turn of this computer-generated century, William Rankin has been jolting cartographers out of ruts, inviting them to question defaults and see the world anew. In this essential volume, he gave me a good shake once more.”—Oliver Uberti, coauthor of Atlas of the Invisible

“An impressive guide to how maps can make a difference in how we see the world, Rankin’s book will appeal to professional and armchair cartographers alike.”—James Cheshire, author of The Library of Lost Maps

William Rankin is an associate professor of history at Yale University, where he focuses on the history of mapping and the geographic sciences. Born and raised outside Chicago, he was originally trained as an architect before receiving a dual PhD in the history of science and architecture from Harvard University. In addition to his work as a historian, he is also an award-winning cartographer, and his maps have appeared in numerous books, magazines, and exhibits around the world.

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