This blog post is an interview with Robert Morris, G&M’s recently retired acquisitions specialist. Robert worked in the division for almost 40 years, building the division’s collections and shaping its collection development policies through the decades.
For several hundred years, the term "Tartary" - or its Latin version, Tartaria - appeared on European maps, usually floating somewhere between Eastern Europe and China. This post explores the etymology of the place name and the various regions to which it referred.
An armillary sphere is a model of the heavens featuring a central globe with a framework of rings around it that represent celestial bodies and features. This blog post will discuss these astronomical objects, highlighting the division’s oldest globe and armillary sphere, made by Caspar Vopell in 1543.
The Geography and Map Division collections include vibrant nineteenth century maps showcasing brand new American communities and promises of the "good life" to prospective lot or home buyers. This post explores the common themes and fascinating details of these highly artistic maps designed to lure investment.