Summary - Since 1920, when map collecting began in earnest, there have been many specialised books published on the subject of old maps and atlases. Most of them, written by the great authorities in the field, deal either with museum pieces and extreme rarities, or with only one aspect of the subject. This is the first comprehensive guide for beginners and new collectors, for it not only discusses the range of maps which can be found on the market today, and gives, as far as possible, approximate indications of their value, but also describes the methods by which the maps were made, and the men who made them. Equally, the wide range of material covered contains much that will be of interest to the experienced collector and the dealer.

A recent survey of antiques by The London Times Saturday Review' has shown that over a period of twenty years old maps and atlases, together with old master prints, have proved to be a superlative investment. Certainly maps can claim as wide an appeal, to the uninitiated as to the collector, and this book aims both to suggest ways in which to develop a collection and also to provide fascinating reading. Its special features include an index and guide to map-makers, engravers and publishers whose names will frequently be encountered in the course of collecting The sixteen pages of faithful colour reproductions, coupled with the black and white illustrations throughout the book, have been carefully chosen to demonstrate the development of antique maps printed between 1540 and 1850.