Lord of Maps: Book Reviews part 2

“Maps codify the miracle of existence.” Nicholas Crane

Continuing on with my map book reviews, we come to the second book called Lord of Maps Draws a Map. Written and drawn by Isaac C. Dushku. You can check out his wonderful maps at his website lordofmaps.com. I had been following his work for about a year or so when he announced a Kickstarter about a new map book that he had written. It was billed as “learn to create distant worlds in this how to draw book disguised as a story. With examples and practice sheets, you’ll be a map wizard in no time.” It sounded interesting, and was very affordable, so why not? He delivered on the promised product, on time.

I was so excited when it came in the mail. Now, I’m not sure about you, but I am very selective about the Kickstarters that I back. I wish I could back every single one that interests me. I also don’t remember all of the details when I back a Kickstarter! That’s on me. I was actually confused a bit when I opened the box, and a beautiful children’s hardcover book slid out. For a second, I thought I had backed the wrong item. I had to go back and reread the Kickstarter. The campaign did describe it as a children’s book, but also NOT a children’s book. However, there is a nice surprise at the back of the book. Let’s get into the meat of the book now.

Lord of Maps by Isaac C. Dushku, photos by me

As stated, the book is a hardcover. The pages are smooth, silky and shiny paper. The first part of the book talks about the journey of Earl the Turtle. I love this line, “One day Earl was out for his morning stroll, looking for nothing and finding it everywhere.” The next 38 pages are about how Earl finds pen and paper, and proceeds to draw things. The illustrations are fantastic, colorful, and cute. After you get to the end of Earl’s story, the book transitions into instructions, disguised as “Grandma Shirley’s No-Bake Map” recipe. So clever! Now we get to the really good stuff. How to draw outlines, water lines, rivers, lakes, mountains, roads, labels, trees, cities, castles, lettering, just about everything you can think of to complete a map. (About 11 pages total)The book also includes 4 practice sheets that you can copy and practice on.

This recipe is pretty cool!

So, while it wasn’t quite what I was expecting or remembering, (again, that’s on me) this is a fantastic book for children who are interested in maps. For the KID in all of us gamers and mappers, this is an incredible, beautiful book to start learning the basics of map making by hand.

For the next book review, I’ll be talking about How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps by Jared Blando. I bet most of you have that book already! Amirite?

Thank you so much for reading this today. I appreciate you taking the time! I’m not here for likes and subscriptions, but it is very much appreciated that you are interested. Be well, be kind, and may the ancient maps of lore bring you good fortune and treasure.