Mountain maps rank amongst the most beautiful examples of cartography. That beauty becomes even more manifest when one realises the lengths to which cartographers went to produce them. To create an accurate map of a mountain region, surveyors would have to take measurements of heights, distances and angles from elevated and exposed positions, often requiring them to haul heavy equipment in all weathers to well-nigh inaccessible peaks. These unsung heroes became explorers in their own right, perhaps the first true mountaineers. In Mapping the Mountains, author, geographer and map-lover, Andrew Davies tells some of the most captivating tales from the history of mountain cartography, richly adorned with historical maps and illustrations.
Author: Andrew Davies
Publisher: Moving Mountains foundation / Dutch Mountain Film Festival, Heerlen
Language: English
Format: 20 x 27 cm, hard cover
Number of pages: 224
Publication: 2025
With the collaboration of: Biblioteca Nazionale del Club Alpino Italiano; Deutsche Alpenverein; Leiden University Libraries; National Library of Scotland; swisstopo; Fondazione Sella; and others.
< The dummy version of the book, designed by Roelant Meijer
All these thrilling tales and magnificent maps deserve an eye-catching design. Avid walker, mapmaker and graphic designer, Roelant Meijer came up with a work of art that is as good as print-ready. This delightful, fully illustrated dummy version of the book has already received widespread praise at the Kendal Mountain Literature Festival and from leading writers and publishers. We recently organised an extremely successful crowdfunding campaign and the book will be heading to the printer’s very soon. Thanks to all the wonderful people who have supported this project with their generous donations!
Check out our crowdfunding campaign at VoordeKunst.nl:
With its steep hillsides, fast-flowing streams and narrow, winding paths, Zuid-Limburg has a landscape that defies the popular Dutch stereotype. This, the southernmost part of the Netherlands, is also home to the Dutch Mountain Film Festival. For the last fifteen years – through an eclectic mix of films, presentations, workshops and exhibitions – we have been putting mountains on the screen and on the map. We like exploring the outdoors too, and several years ago we created the Dutch Mountain Trail, the toughest long-distance walking trail in the country. The festival itself offers filmmakers, artists, mountaineers and film buffs a unique adventure.
A few years ago, to coincide with the Dutch Mountain Film Festival, we organised Mapping the Mountains, an exhibition all about maps and mountains. Over the course of several weeks, we welcomed hundreds of visitors who went away eager for yet more great maps and stories. It inspired Andrew Davies, geographer and curator of the exhibition, to delve deeper into the history of mountain cartography. His infectious enthusiasm and in-depth research have culminated in a compelling collection of mesmerising maps and spellbinding stories: Mapping the Mountains – the Book.
