The Map of True Places and Other Non-Cartographic Curiosities

Imagine my delight when I was alerted to a new publication – The Map of True Places. As we all do, I tried to imagine what this map would show. The title was a brilliant teaser, what in fact is a ‘true place’? Definitely worth further investigation. Would this be something special or just old hat? A few clicks later revealed that this was in fact, a new paperback edition of pure fiction: “From the author of The Lace Reader comes an emotionally resonant novel of tragedy, secrets, identity and love”. Not a map at all!

Similarly last week I came across a review of Maps and Atlases. Another exhibition showing the history of cartography? A bit of a boring title and there must be some particular theme for focus. But, although the reviewer was impressed with ‘Maps and Atlases’ it turns out they are “a rock group from Chicago, USA, equally influenced by folk and experimental music”. I don’t know what their music is like, but they have some nice album covers.

After a bit of surfing I came up with The Cartographer, guess what, not Mercator, Pont or Bartholomew but an album by Long Island indie rock band The Republic of Wolves.

And finally, the Map is .. a butterfly (Araschnia levana) common throughout the lowlands of central and eastern Europe, very rarely seen in the UK.

Has your interest been piqued by a promising map-themed title which turned out to be something completely different? Add your example by submitting a comment below.