This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters) cover art

This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters)

When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters)

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This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters)

By: Map Men
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About this listen

A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A Waterstones Best Nature & Travel Writing Book 2025

'Educational, smart and funny’ Richard Osman

‘This book is superb’ Charlie Brooker

‘Brilliant. Fascinating. Hilarious.’ Jonn Elledge, bestselling author of A History of the World in 47 Borders

The debut book from the YouTube sensation and all-round cartographical nerds, The Map Men!

Hello, we're the Map Men, and in the following pages we've selected what we believe to be some of the very best wrong maps. Some of them are decades old, some are centuries old and some are so recent they're being published today (or yesterday, if you’re reading this tomorrow).

They include world maps, colonial maps, corporate maps, Soviet maps, pioneer maps, news maps and maps whose intended use was hijacked for a French surrealist political movement in the 1950s. Whether you’re an avid map junkie or simply ‘map-curious’, you will uncover a unique tale of adventure, error and unexpected humour in each chapter, as we attempt to answer the question: ‘What on earth happened here?’

So, ditch the compass (or disable location services) and set out on a journey with us, the Map Men, into a world of cartographic chaos and mappy mishaps.

Because the worst maps are the best maps.

(P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers Best of 2025 Earth Sciences Politics & Government Science World Funny Witty Thought-Provoking Misadventure

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Critic reviews

‘Map Men’s unique and witty outlook translates brilliantly from their hilarious videos onto the page’ Matt Lucas

‘The funniest book on geography ever written’ Rufus Hound

'A gloriously entertaining look at how maps can get things – sometimes very big things – badly wrong’ Charlie Higson

‘The best book I’ve ever read (and not just because it’s the first)’ Michael Howe, author of Terrible Maps

All stars
Most relevant
A really excellent book that captures the spirit and humour of the Map Men YouTube shows perfectly. The lack of visual media is not an issue at all as the history, geography and stories for each map are sublimely described. Each chapter is varied and full of detail and comedy. I learned much as the maps in question are slightly obscure but accessible and cover a range of eras and locations. The only chapter I found a little wearing (and the reason for 4 stars rather than 5) was the Donner Party podcast as the novelty of the faux media performance dissipated quite quickly and the accents became a bit annoying. Otherwise, a fantastic book that I devoured with swift delight.

A really engaging, informative and entertaining audio book… a hearty round of mapplause to Jay and Mark!!

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The original and entertaining way this book was written makes it a brilliant way to learn curious stories linked to brilliantly wrong maps. The familiar and beloved voices of The Map Men give the book an exquisite balance of gravitas and playfulness that makes the whole experience delightful. I would listen to it again and would thoroughly recommend it! The only regret I have is having missed the book signing in London. This is a must for any professional or amateur cartographer, map enthusiast or, anyone who, like me, didn’t know they loved maps until they discovered the Map Men on YouTube. These men have succeeded where my Geography teachers and Atlas map publishers miserably failed.

Amazing version of the book narrated by the authors

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Going into this I had absolutely no interest in maps but thought I'd give it a listen based on the recent Lateral Podcast, Episode 158 (which I'd also highly recommend).

I had no idea what to expect going in but, as of writing, I'm now at chapter 10 and can confidently say this is one of the funniest and most charming audio books I've ever experienced.

I love the structure to each section, the footnotes, and the little explanations of the process throughout. The accompanying PDF with all the referenced maps is also a great addition.

Cannot recommend this audio book enough, absolutely fantastic. This will definitely be one to listen to multiple times.

Delightfully witty

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So funny! 10/10, loved this educational book.
Made me laugh out loud!! I really liked the accents they did.

This way up

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This audiobook and the map men in general are amazing, funny, factual and endearing perfectly blended for the geographically inclined and the lay person alike.

Map men plus! Making cartography fun!

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