Collecting Antique Maps A Reference Library - More Tips for the Novice

If you're new to collecting antique maps you've probably realised the need for a reference library even if its just a few volumes.  Reference books are a critical resource when it comes to understanding about maps and learning more about the subject.  There are literally hundreds of reference works on maps along with previously published books, magazines and journals on the subject of cartography.  Many of these specialist titles are no longer produced so you may have to do a bit of digging to find a publication on your special area of interest.

Over the coming weeks I'll highlight some of the excellent reference works that have crossed my path. They continue to provide a wealth of information helping to understand, contextualise, and interpret the maps focused on.  I recommend developing a reference library geared towards your subject of interest.  The benefits are many and the knowledge you gain will help you with the decision making process when it comes to future investments for your own map collection.

Above: Collecting Old Maps. Revised and Expanded Edition by Marti Griggs & Curt Griggs. Clarkdale, AZ: Old Maps Press, 2015. Hardback, cloth & illus. dustwrapper; pp. 352, illustrated throughout.

I'm going to kick off with this more general reference work simply because I can recommend no better place as a starting point.  The book includes everything that the novice map collector needs to know and lots more.  You can see a short video review of the book HERE at the top of my resources page.

Lastly you can see a small collection of more specialist map reference books HERE on my Reference Books page.