The European Enlightenment was an extraordinary time for all intellectuals. France was the center of scientific research: Spain concentrated on exploring - and occupying - the new world. When French scientists suggested a journey to the Andes to measure the lines of latitude and longitude there and settle the question of the shape of the Earth, King Louis XV saw a chance to get information on the closely guarded Spanish empire.

Robert Whitaker has won acclaim for his scientific journalism and he brings all his skills to The Mapmaker's Wife. The real story of 18th century mapmaking is more exciting than any fiction and the characters involved are full of life. As part of his research for the book, the author traveled to South America. Although he doesn't mention his own travels in the book, the detailed descriptions of what travelers encountered could only have been written by someone who knew the region.

The mapmaker's wife only appears towards the end of the book. Isobel Godin was a Peruvian who had married one of the younger members of the mapmaking expedition. After waiting twenty years for him to return, she set out east across the Amazon jungle to find him. Her journey became one of the great survivor stories of the century and nicely complements the experiences of the French mapmakers in their journey west.

11 of 11 found the following review helpful:


18th Century Scientific Exploration Brought To Life  Mar 01, 2005 By Richard Sawyer
This is a well told account of exploration and scientific discovery in the Amazon during the 18th century. Most of the book is concerned with a team of French mapmakers' investigation to determine the exact size and shape of the Earth, which was a crucial scientific question of the day. The author has skillfully utilized both primary and secondary source material as well as his own knowledge and travels in South America to write an engaging history. The cultural, social and political backdrop of 18th century South America, within the context of European exploration and colonization, is well described. The mapmakers' explorations, mainly around the Amazon, are brought vividly to life, reflecting it seems the author's own experiences in this land, as well as his study of primary source material. The part of the story (reflected in the book title) concerning one of the mapmaker's wife's arduous journey to find her husband actually comprises only the last part of the book. In this regard, the book seems mistitled, which has been mentioned by other reviewers. One wonders if the book title was for marketing purposes, and if so, this is somewhat unfortunate. The book is beautifully illustrated with drawings of the exploration and other scenes of the times. A helpful list of characters and maps are also included. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy books on exploration, scientific discovery, and history of South American and European exploration.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


May Not Be What You Expect  Jan 15, 2005 By N. Everest "navigatrix"
A book well worth reading, but it may not be what you expect.

The title is a bit misleading as Jean Godin is not truly a mapmaker nor is the book mostly about his wife. The first half of this book is almost entirely about the French expedition to colonial Peru in the early 1700's, the politics and science behind it, and the different personalities which comprise it. I did find this reading enjoyable, but I became a little frustrated when each time the plot seemed to get rolling again, Whitaker would take 10 pages to explain the geography of Peru or the history of Spain. If you're science minded, like me, you'll get a good dose of history that you would not have otherwise chosen to read or learn.

The story, what there is of it, is adventurous and entertaining, especially for the outdoor enthusiast. The history, politics, geography, and bugs he talks about do truly add to the understanding of the fate of the characters. He has brought to life a story that has been handed down only as legend. Whitaker does his best to compile all the facts, but there are still some things about this tale that we will never know.

I also felt misled by the subtitle, "A True Tale of Love, Murder, and Survival in the Amazon." Though it was all of these, it was written more like a history book than a novel. So if you're looking for romance, you won't find it here. The facts are laid out one by one leaving you to make your own pictures as to what the people looked like or the dialogue they had.

One ironic note: for a book titled "The Mapmaker's Wife", the maps are rather simplistic. No scales, keys, north arrows, or even a list of maps in the contents. There is a list of maps in the index, however, along with other helpful information. The author also includes a list of characters and descriptions at the back which I referenced many times.

Hopefully, this information will give you a better idea of what to expect and make your reading of this legendary tale more enjoyable. It's well worth your time.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:


overall, a compelling read  Aug 02, 2005 By C. Smith "Bibliophile extrordinaire"
I feel that I must state that the title of the book is somewhat misleading. Over half of the book is not at all about Isabel, "The mapmaker's wife," but rather about the expedition that led her husband to Peru and what historical and scientific events led to that expedition. At times, this got a little tedious, because all along I was waiting for Isabel's story. Still, the recounting of what these men accomplished for the scientific community is simply astonishing, and when Isabel's story is finally reached, it is as compelling and incredible as promised. She was a remarkable woman, accomplishing what many people could not do, even today. Overall, the book is an interesting and informative read about a little-known (at least to me), and yet important, expedition. Good for those who like history; may be a tough read for those who do not.

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