Mapping The Past

I ALWAYS pop into charity shops when I can.

It is not that I am particularly philanthropic, but every now and then I spot a book I did not know existed and feel sure will prove interesting.

My latest find is The Mapmakers by John Noble Wilford.

£2 bargain from Oxfam in Bethnal Green Road, East London

It tells the history of cartography from earliest times, which makes it particularly relevant to anyone with a passion for ancient history.

I sped through the early chapters, but admit to getting bogged down and finally giving up when the author delves into the minutiae of modern mapmaking.

Frankly I would have been well-satisfied with my purchase if it had cost me £10, but that is five times the price I paid.

I will almost certainly never finish the book, but I may well re-read the early chapters and use it as a handy reference source.