Ptolemy's Geography is the only book on cartography to have survived from the classical period and one of the most influential scientific works of all time. Written in the second century AD, for more than fifteen centuries it was the most detailed topography of Europe and Asia available and the best reference on how to gather data and draw maps. Ptolemy championed the use of astronomical observation and applied mathematics in determining geographical locations. But more importantly, he introduced the practice of writing down coordinates of latitude and longitude for every feature drawn on a world map, so that someone else possessing only the text of the Geography could reproduce Ptolemy's map at any time, in whole or in part, at any scale.
Here Berggren and Jones render an exemplary translation of the Geography and provide a thorough introduction, which treats the historical and technical background of Ptolemy's work, the contents of the Geography, and the later history of the work.
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"The translation is exemplary, surely the best in any language. It supersedes all previous translations and corrects all editions. The authors have done a splendid job in every way and have produced a work that will be useful for the duration of our lives and probably much longer."--Noel Swerdlow, University of Chicago and author of The Babylonian Theory of the Planets
"Berggren and Jones have made a difficult, detailed and challenging text far more accessible and have produced a work that will be the standard for many years to come. They have done a wonderful service to the study of a crucial text by one of the most important figures in the history of science. A pleasure to read."--Liba Taub, Cambridge University
J. Lennart Berggren is Professor of Mathematics at Simon Fraser University and twice president of the Canadian Society for the History and Philosophy of Mathematics. His previous books include Episodes in the Mathematics of Medieval Islam, and Pi: A Source Book.
Alexander Jones is Professor of Classics and of the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Toronto. He studies the history of the exact sciences in antiquity. He is the author of Pappus of Alexandria: Book 7 of the Collection and Astronomical Papyri from Oxyrhynchus.
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Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 400150-n
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WP-9780691092591
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9780691092591
Book Description Condition: New. Offers a translation of the "Geography" and provides an introduction, which treats the historical and technical background of Ptolemy's work, the contents of the "Geography", and the later history of the work. This work also includes color reproductions of maps from manuscripts and early printed editions of the text. Translator(s): Berggren, J. Lennart; Jones, Alexander. Num Pages: 208 pages, 13 maps, 20 line Illus., 2 tables, 8 halftones. BIC Classification: PDX; RGV. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 250 x 176 x 15. Weight in Grams: 408. . 2001. First Edition. Paperback. . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780691092591
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780691092591
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Offers a translation of the "Geography" and provides an introduction, which treats the historical and technical background of Ptolemy's work, the contents of the "Geography", and the later history of the work. This work also includes color reproductions of maps from manuscripts and early printed editions of the text. Seller Inventory # B9780691092591
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2416190101662
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 400150-n
Book Description Condition: New. Offers a translation of the "Geography" and provides an introduction, which treats the historical and technical background of Ptolemy's work, the contents of the "Geography", and the later history of the work. This work also includes color reproductions of maps from manuscripts and early printed editions of the text. Translator(s): Berggren, J. Lennart; Jones, Alexander. Num Pages: 208 pages, 13 maps, 20 line Illus., 2 tables, 8 halftones. BIC Classification: PDX; RGV. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 250 x 176 x 15. Weight in Grams: 408. . 2001. First Edition. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9780691092591
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WP-9780691092591