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This Way Up

When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters)

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This Way Up

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

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
Hilarious & informative, just as good as the YouTube channel. Was sad when this book ended

Classic Map Men

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Looking at the preview on Amazon, the printed book looks beautiful, but has one glaring issue - it cannot capture the wit and interactivity of Jay and Mark's on-screen relationship. this audiobook does this beautifully, and it's mostly done in a way that does not require printed (or digital) reference material. Some of the text, if printed, would likely become very heavy, very quickly, but Jay and Mark riff off each other, like on video, creating a fun, informative audiobook. I definitely made the right choice buying the audio version over the printed version, and would wholeheartedly recommend it. Lots - and I means lots - of fascinating tidbits, delivered with skill, expertise, and repertoire.

TL;DR - print good, audio better, video best. The geography lesson I wish I had at school.

The YouTube series distilled into aural pleasure

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I am on my second listen if you love the channel, you’ll love this. Education with humour what more do we need?

Great as always

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A very special treat to essentially find hours of well-performed Map Men content hidden in an audiobook. Has to be the best way to enjoy this book!

Not just an audiobook

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Each chapter is so unique, witty and informative. Where necessary the writers perform VERY well in their typical Map Men humour. But despite my love of these chapters it is the poignance and relevance of the final chapter which leads me to write this mini-review. The final chapter ought to be taught in schools and to anyone willing to listen!

10/10 Recommend.

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