Monmonier (geography, Syracuse Univ.) reveals how and why maps "lie." He explains the methods cartographers must use to distort reality in representing a complex, three-dimensional world on a flat sheet or screen, and how they exclude information and geographic features in order to create a readable and understandable map. In addition to explaining the "white lies" told by every competent mapmaker and the errors caused by "cartographic carelessness," Monmonier explores the use of maps for advertising and propaganda, and the deliberate errors employed to confuse potential enemies or to trap copiers. Valuable for both students of cartography or geography and interested laypersons, this is recommended for academic and larger public libraries.

foreword 
Acknowledgments 
Introduction 
Elements of the Map 
Map Generalization: Little White Lies and Lots of Them 
Blunders That Mislead 
Maps That Advertise 
Development Maps (or, How to Seduce the town Board) 
Maps for Political Propaganda 
Maps, Defense, and Disinformation: Fool Thine Enemy 
Large-Scale Mapping, Culture, and the National Interest 
Data Maps: Making Nonsense of the Census 
Color: Attraction and Distraction 
Multimedia, Experiential Maps, and Graphic scripts 
Epilogue Appendix: Latitude and Longitude Selected Readings for Further Exploration Sources of Illustrations 
Index 
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