The Compleat Plattmaker is a rich collection of essays delving into the art and science of cartography in England during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Drawing upon the extensive resources of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library at UCLA, this volume offers insights into the intricate world of map, chart, and globe creation—a field that blended artistry, geography, and scientific inquiry during a transformative period of exploration and intellectual development.

The essays examine the evolution of cartographic practices, focusing on key figures like Edmond Halley, a pioneer in thematic mapping, and the Thames School of chartmakers, whose work bridged the transition from manuscript to printed maps. Topics include advancements in surveying and engraving techniques, the role of colonial mapping in expanding geographic knowledge, and the interplay between scientific innovation and artistic expression. Compiled from the Clark Library’s programs and seminars, this volume is a testament to the interdisciplinary exploration of cartography and its enduring impact on cultural and scientific history.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1978.