Maps and Map-Making in Local History

Abstract

This book aims to introduce the local history practitioner to the world of maps-the special character (and appeal) of maps as an historical source, why they are invaluable in local history research, and questions that must be asked of them. The historical background to map creation in Ireland is outlined, with details on the major classes of cartographic and associated material and the repositories wherein they may be found. The Plantation series, travel and county maps, maps as part of published reports and journals, military mapping, estate and property mapping, and maritime maps, historic Ordnance Survey and Valuation Office maps, and more recent OS mapping, including the 1:50,000 Discovery series, are discussed. A section on essential map-reading skills, including matters of scale, representation and accuracy, helps the researcher to explore this coded world. Step-by-step guidance for starting out to locate maps relevant to one's study area is provided. Case studies of working with maps in local history are offered as practical examples of what can be done, and guidelines for map-making are also included. Jacinta Prunty lectures in NUI Maynooth. She is the author of the award-winning Dublin slums, 1800-1925: a study in urban geography (Irish Academic, 1998) and Margaret Alyward, 1810-1889: lady of charity, sister of faith (FCP, 1999). Research Research and teaching interest encompass all aspects of local history, with particular interest in town form and fabric and the intersection between town and countryside. Her specialist area, the nineteenth century city, ranges from environmental history to social geography, focusing on slum problems (health, housing, relief of the poor). Coming from a background in historical geography Jacinta Prunty has a special regard for maps in history, and the place of field research, while continuing to mine the invaluable source materials produced by church charities and religious orders. 'This book is another example of the excellent work originating in NUI Maynooth ' Books Ireland. 'Jacinta Prunty has written an indispensable guide to "maps and mapmaking in local history". This book "does what it says on the tin" and provides in four chapters just about everything the local historian needs to know about Irish cartography: the history of Irish maps; how to read maps and how they read us; where they can be found; and how local historians can go about making their own maps.' Matthew Stout, Studia Hibernica. '…. a work of refreshing appeal that is distinguished by its originality and by some very considerable strengths. Local historians in particular are likely to appreciate the wideranging approach and the clear writing … a helpful introduction to Irish maps in general'. Arnold Horner, Irish Historical Studies.