Letter from The Editor

Welcome to the first issue of MapForum.Com

This is  a new magazine intended to promote interest in & study of old maps,  catering for the novice and the experienced collector by providing articles at all levels of interest and expertise.

Principal features will be:

  • Check-lists: a scheme pioneered successfully by the late R.V. Tooley, as “The Map Collectors’ Circle Series”, commenced in the mid-1960s, which eventually comprised 110 parts. From this series come some of the standard reference books in use today, including Tooley’s Dictionary Of Mapmakers.
  • Collations: Each month will have the collation of at least one book or atlas. Particular emphasis will be given to early atlases, or composite atlases (atlases factice) which are not assembled to a uniform pattern.
  • Cartographical Curiosities & Items of Ephemera.
  • Map Libraries: Starting with Issue 2, it is intended to start a series of articles on principal map collections, commencing with the Bodleian Library, Oxford.
  • Dealer’s Profiles: to introduce the individual dealers that advertise in this magazine.
  • Reader’s Services: a identification & biographical dictionary service
  • Handbook: On-going file of useful information, guide to reference materials and so on.
  • Reviews of new books relating to Historical Cartography
  • Dealer’s listing & Catalogues received
Jan Jansson: Decorative Map of the British Isles; raremaps.com

By arranging the Journal under pre-set headings the various part-works will build up into a valuable reference tool.

Unless otherwise stated the photographs used are copyright of the Editor.

Peter Force’s letter regarding the Wilkes Expedition; raremaps.com

The Editors welcome correspondence on any subject relating to the history of cartography, or to the contents, format and design of this magazine, especially suggestions for improvements and future contents. All letters received will be deemed to be for publication, and should include the writer’s full mailing address (and e-mail address as appropriate) although only an abbreviated form will be published.

To ensure that you receive updates about the magazine please fill in our on-line form.

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Please contact us at [email protected] if you have technical difficulties.

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