Great Lakes in 50 Maps

Cartographer Hill (Detroit in 50 Maps) delivers a diverting compendium of 50 different views of the “vast inland freshwater seas” that span “1,200 kilometers” along the border between the U.S. and Canada. While filled with hometown pride—Hill has lived in cities throughout the region—he also points to the Great Lakes basin’s global economic and ecological significance. The area is “home to over one-tenth of the US population and one-quarter of the Canadian population,” hosts “some of the world’s largest concentrations of industrial capacity,” and the lakes and their large watershed support unique species and agricultural products like salmon, cherries, pumpkins, and maple syrup. The maps presented here range from the historical (sites of the underground railroad) to the ecological (bird migratory routes) to more standard but still illuminating cartographical fare (population density, roadways), all of which are layered over a fascinating palimpsest that Hill devises at the outset, compromising an outline of the Great Lakes watershed superimposed over another outline delineating the “Rustbelt megalopolis.” More offbeat offerings include maps of shipwrecks, startups, surf spots, reported sightings of sea monsters (sea serpents cluster around Quebec; Wisconsin seems to be the only region haunted by an octopus), and businesses with “Great Lakes” in their name (Michigan is rife with them). Readers will be able to while away the hours with this one. (June)