I love maps. Always have. I would far rather study a map than rely on a GPS voice telling me to turn right in 1.4 miles.

I took a year of geology in college and loved learning to read topographic maps. One of the coolest places in my university’s library was the area where giant maps were stored in bureaus with huge, flat drawers. My geology courses were honors sections, and my big project at the end of the year was writing an analysis of the Los Angeles area’s water supply. Quite a few maps were involved, with some interesting “side trips” along the way as I found other only marginally related but still very intriguing maps to distract me from my primary task.

Well, I just discovered a book that I want to read. It has been out for over 10 years, but it’s new to me, so . . .

I am doing my usual pre-purchase, due diligence reconnaissance (I rarely buy a book cold) and have been so delighted by what I’ve found thus far that I want to share it with you.

The book, titled Maphead, is about maps and is written by uber-“Jeopardy”-winner (turned “Jeopardy” host) Ken Jennings. As you might expect, the text is a beautiful combination of gee-whiz appreciation, interesting information, and elegant, gently humorous prose. I am really looking forward to reading it!

A couple of links, if you’re interested.

First, here is a link to a 41-minute episode of BookTV on C-SPAN2. It is a recorded author event at Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, and it highlights everything you love about Ken Jennings. What a likable person he is! Did you know that he has degrees in both English and computer science? That explains so much. Link: https://www.c-span.org/video/?301869-1/maphead

Second, here is a link to a fun interview in a UX magazine (UX Magazine, in fact😀), a conversation between Jennings and Jesse James Garrett that explores the overlap between maps and design. Link: https://uxmag.com/articles/jesse-james-garrett-and-ken-jennings-talk-maps-and-design

And finally, here is a link straight to the “sample” pages for this book on Amazon. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Maphead-Charting-Weird-World-Geography/dp/1439167184?asin=1439167184&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1

Maphead came out in 2011. I’m late to the party (as usual😀). Have you by chance already read it? If so, what did you think?

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