The Maps of Europe 1520–2001

Dulce et utile – pleasant and useful. This ars poetica is well known from the history of poetry, but it is seldom if ever mentioned in relation with maps. Yet, the National Library’s illustrated album of the maps of Europe makes us first think in delight. The beauty of the details and the wit of the artists who drew them offers entertainment, although the map is something to be taken seriously. We usually check its precision, and consult it for our travels and studies. Maps also educate us and now we accept their invitation to the history of Europe. Let us look at these maps of relief, administration, politics, ethnics, religion and gastronomy and learn where the boundaries of Europe lie.

The 150-170 maps collected in this book reflect the knowledge accumulated during the centuries, gathered by Europeans during their travels and observations, and later, built on precise scientific measurements. No similar „European picture book” has been published so far. It includes the first map of Europe as well as the first Hungarian language map of Europe published in the famous book of pastor Péter Bod in the middle of the 18^th century, unknown before. The maps featured in this 28 x 38 cm album are unique items of NSZL’s collections. It has a Hungarian, an English and a German edition, with the recommendation of the rector of ELTE Dr. István Klinghammer, and revised by the director of the map collection at NSZL, Katalin Plihál. The excellent quality of photography and typography is guaranteed by the same team that made the Treasures from the Library of the Nation album, awarded the Fitz prize, the typography quality award and the people’s choice award on this year’s Beautiful Hungarian Book contest.