Over the years, I’ve worked with dozens of historical atlases, but none of them managed to combine learning and enjoyment as effectively as this one. These aren’t just ordinary maps – they each tell a story. Every visual is accompanied by clear, informative descriptions that are detailed without being overwhelming, making it possible to understand the maps even with only a basic knowledge of history. Many entries also provide a broader context. For example, the map of a unified Italy is enriched with commentary on the wider rise of nationalism across Europe in the late 19th century.

The book covers maps from antiquity all the way up to the Covid-19 pandemic, offering a remarkably wide geographical range: Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the entire globe. The author does not limit himself solely to political history and "grand narratives" - many of the maps also illustrate economic history (e.g., oil exploration in the 1950s) or social history (e.g., the urban poor in 1890s London). Personally, I’m most fascinated by the 19th and early 20th centuries, and I was especially eager to see the map of the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917. It depicts the staggering number of casualties per 460-meter square. The numbers so vast that they left a lasting impression on me. What surprised me most, however, was how captivating the maps from periods I knew less about turned out to be. The ancient maps, as well as those from the Far East where cartography was viewed through a very different lens, were especially fascinating.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book not only to history enthusiasts but also to anyone eager to broaden their knowledge in a fresh and engaging way. It would make a wonderful gift, and I’m certainly considering buying a copy for myself.