This is for the serious student of cartography and/or the middle ages, not for the person with a casual interest. The book is different from others in that it also describes the context of the maps - the manuscripts of which the maps were usually a small part. Therefore it more clearly shows the intent of the medieval writers and the purpose of the maps (which is quite different to our modern view of maps). It helps dispel the modern view of these maps as quaint oddities. The reason why it doesn't get 5 stars: a) it relies heavily on prior knowledge of the field. I don't think I would have understood many of the references if I hadn't already read "The History of Cartography Vol 1" or "Medieval Maps". b) there are fewer illustrations than in other books, and those that are included are not as good as those produced in other works. However, Time and Space does include some that others don't, and it has better and more detailed descriptions of the features of the maps. If you are starting out in this field, or just have a casual interest, I'd recommend "Medieval Maps" or "Mappa Mundi", both by P.D.A. Harvey. They contain splendid illustrations of the key maps of the period, with sufficient information to explain, without going into too much theory. Then if you want to know more, follow up with Time and Space or The History of Cartography. I note that this is the first of a series. I'm looking forward to seeing the topics to be covered in the rest of the series.

Evelyn Edson invites us to put medieval maps back into their intended context. Too often in past books, medieval maps have been ripped out of their context and lined up one after another in a history of science narrative. In "Mapping Time & Space", Dr. Edson presents the many other diagrams with which maps are regularly found -- letting us view the broader array of medieval schematic diagrams. These diagrams, in turn, teach us more about the maps.

This important book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of maps.

I'm currently doing a long paper on the cartography of Matthew Paris, and after slogging through "The History of Cartography vol. 1" this was a pleasure to read. Edson's prose is interesting and engaging, and she covers a wide range of sources, ranging from from easter tables to all types of medieval maps, in her quest to show the linkages between time and space in cartography of the Middle Ages. One of the best books I've read on the subject.