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This Way Up
by Map Men
This Way Up from the Map Men takes you on a delightful detour through the history of cartography, not by celebrating perfect maps, but by reveling in the glorious mistakes, misinterpretations, and outright fabrications. Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones dig into the stories behind maps that got it wrong—whether through ignorance, political agenda, or simple human error. Each chapter is a mini-adventure, unspooling a historical deep dive into how these 'wrong' maps came to be and what they reveal about the eras that produced them. It’s a genuinely witty and surprisingly insightful read that feels like a chat with two incredibly well-informed, slightly mischievous friends. If you enjoy history told through an offbeat lens, appreciate smart humor, and love uncovering the quirks of human understanding, you'll find yourself thoroughly entertained and enlightened.
10 Books similar to 'This Way Up'
After journeying through the quirky history of maps with This Way Up, you might be craving more stories about the fascinating intersections of geography and human endeavor. Our recommended books continue that exploration, whether by delving into the historical figures who literally charted new worlds, examining how maps can shape our understanding of geopolitics and urban spaces, or simply celebrating the sheer human obsession with knowing 'what's where.' They all share that distinctive blend of wit, meticulous research, and a genuine love for the strange, wonderful, and sometimes misleading ways we've tried to represent our planet.
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Like This Way Up, this book explores the intersection of geography and human history through a compelling narrative. It focuses on the creation of the first geological map of England, blending technical detail with a strong sense of adventure and historical significance.
by Tim Marshall
This book shares the 'Map Men' spirit of explaining how physical landscapes dictate global politics and human behavior. It is highly analytical yet accessible, providing a macro-view of the world that fans of cartography and geopolitics will find fascinating.
Garfield’s writing style mirrors the witty and quirky tone of Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones. It covers the history of cartography with a focus on the eccentricities and human errors that have shaped our visual understanding of the planet.
This classic text aligns perfectly with the Map Men's mission to deconstruct how maps work and how they can be used to manipulate perception. It is an eye-opening, slightly cynical, and highly educational look at the art of cartographic persuasion.
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This book explores the 'mistakes' of geography—islands that don't exist and mythical lands once thought real. It captures the same whimsical yet scholarly energy found in This Way Up, celebrating the strange history of human error.
by Ken Jennings
Written by the Jeopardy! champion, this book is a humorous and affectionate look at people who are obsessed with maps. It captures the same 'enthusiastic nerd' energy that makes the Map Men so engaging and relatable.
by Ian Wright
This book uses 100 unique infographics to reveal unexpected truths about the world, much like the visual storytelling used in the Map Men videos. It is fast-paced, visually driven, and full of 'did you know' facts that appeal to curious readers.
A gripping account of the cholera outbreak in Victorian London and how a map helped solve the mystery. It combines historical deep dives with a suspenseful narrative, showing the life-saving power of data visualization.
by Dava Sobel
This brief but brilliant book tells the story of John Harrison’s quest to solve the greatest scientific problem of his time. It shares the Map Men's appreciation for the technical innovations and stubborn individuals who helped us find our way.
by Jeff Speck
For fans who enjoy the urban planning and infrastructure aspects of the Map Men's content, this book offers a witty and persuasive look at how cities are designed. It is observational, slightly satirical, and deeply informative about the spaces we inhabit.
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