Cartographic Encounters: Indigenous Peoples and the Exploration of the New World

Description

In this major re-interpretation of US history| John Rennie Short argues that until now writing about| and popular understanding of| the exploration and mapping of the New World has largely ignored the pivotal role played by indigenous people. European mapping of the New World was the product of an exchange of information| a ‘cartographic encounter’ between newcomers and indigenous peoples. This cartographic encounter allowed Native Americans to parlay their deeper and wider knowledge of the land into a strong bargaining position| but in this very exchange lay the roots of the ultimate loss of their land. Based on extensive original research| the book is suitable for a general readership| specialists and students in the field of cartography| and those interested in the history of indigenous peoples.