How to Lie with Maps

How to Lie with Maps is a nonfiction book written by Mark Monmonier detailing issues with cartographic representation and targeted at the general public. First published in 1991 by the University of Chicago Press, it explores the various ways in which maps can be manipulated and how these distortions influence the general public's perceptions and understanding of the world. The book highlights the subjectivity involved in map-making and the potential for misuse of cartographic techniques, with a goal to "promote a healthy skepticism about maps."

Overview
The first edition of How to Lie with Maps was published in 1991. The book is written in casual prose and contains humor aimed at keeping non-professionals engaged while discussing technical concepts. It contains 10 chapters and an epilogue, starting with cartographic basics and covering symbolization, scale, distortion, and specific map applications like advertising and propaganda. Monmonier explores how symbols and color can mislead viewers, highlighting the importance of symbolization in map-making, with particular attention to choropleth maps and how they can be misleading. The book analyzes the distortions introduced by various map projections and coordinate systems, providing a critical look at how these technical choices impact the representation of geographical data. Additionally, it investigates how maps have been used for propaganda, illustrating cartography's persuasive power. Finally, How to Lie with Maps addresses the ethical responsibilities of cartographers, encouraging a reflection on the ethical considerations involved in creating and interpreting maps. Through these discussions, Monmonier encourages readers to develop a critical eye when analyzing maps, understanding that no map can be completely objective.

A second edition, updated with new examples and discussions of digital cartography, was released in 1996. This edition added two added chapters, chapter 9 "Large-Scale Mapping, Culture, and the National Interest," and chapter 12 "Multimedia, Experiential Maps, and Graphic Scripts."

In 2018, a third edition was published, reflecting advancements in geographic information systems (GIS) and the increasing prevalence of digital maps. The Third edition included a new preference, and replaced the chapter 12 in the second edition with three new chapters, chapter 12 "Image Maps: Picture That," chapter 13 "Prohibitive Cartography: Maps That Say 'No!'," and chapter 14 "Fast Maps: Animated, Interactive, or Mobile." In the third edition, discussion on color moved from later in the book to chapter 5, and additional minor corrections were made.

Author
Mark Monmonier earned his Ph.D. in geography in 1969 and began working at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in 1973. He was working at Syracuse University as a professor when he published all three editions of How to lie with maps. By the time he wrote How to lie with maps, Mark Monmonier had been publishing on similar topics for several years. Previous publications of his, including the 1988 book Maps with the news, and peer-reviewed publications covered the topic of cartographic inaccuracies. Mark Monmonier stepped down from his position as Editor of "The American Cartographer" in 1985 due to his disagreements over "the importance to the profession of federal personnel qualifications standards which recognize the value of a comprehensive cartographic education to those accepting the title and responsibilities of Cartographer." The American Association of Geographers awarded him a lifetime achievement award in 2023, noting his significant contributions to geographic communication and cartography. His book How to Lie with Maps is listed among the examples of these contributions.

Impact and Reception
How to Lie with Maps has been widely acclaimed for its insightful and accessible treatment of a complex subject, and is considered a classic in cartographic literature. It has been referred to as a "bible for cartographers" by Steven Bernard of the Financial Times, and has been used as assigned reading in classrooms. The book has been translated into Chinese, Czech, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, and has had a global impact on cartographic research. The book is praised for making the technical aspects of map-making understandable to a general audience while highlighting the importance of critical thinking when interpreting maps. The magazine Geographical listed How to lie with maps as one of the "Eight essential books for geographers" in 2020.

Across the various editions, there are several consistent criticisms of the work. Examples are dated and include references to the Soviet Union, even in the 3rd edition, when more contemporary examples may have worked, and statistics reviewers considered dated in the 1st edition were still included in the 3rd. The figures are often difficult to read, and several criticized in the 1st edition were not replaced in later editions. While chapters added to later editions are considered to have improved the work, one reviewer stated that they thought the original chapters "still need a new coat of paint."