In space we read time

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History is often viewed as a sequence of events in chronological order, but Karl Schlogel emphasizes the significance of space in understanding history. He explores the relationship between historical events and their geographical contexts, examining landscapes, cities, maps, and even railway timetables. The book delves into intriguing questions, such as the origin of the name 'Everest' and what town layouts reveal about the American Dream. Schlogel presents a model for considering history within physical space, offering a stimulating exploration of how geography influences historical thought. His discussions cover various topics, from the evolution of geography in France to insights from a 1930s Berlin town directory that reflects vanished professions. Maps play a crucial role, with poignant examples like the 1938 atlas of emigration by the German Jewish community, which highlighted escape routes. Other subjects include Thomas Jefferson's mapping of the United States, the British survey of India, and the cartographers accompanying Woodrow Wilson at the Paris Peace Conference, tasked with redrawing Europe's borders based on ethnicity. Schlogel skillfully navigates through history, spanning from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to 9/11, and from Vermeer’s art to the fall of the Berlin Wall, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives.