Peter speaks with James Cheshire, whose captivating new book, The Library of Lost Maps: An Archive of a World in Progress, unearths a hidden collection of 19th- and 20th-century maps that chart everything from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to the dark undercurrents of empire and conflict. Through stunning reproductions and insightful narratives, Cheshire reveals how these artifacts not only documented a rapidly changing planet but also influenced pivotal moments in human progress. In this episode, we'll explore the dual-edged legacy of maps as tools of enlightenment and exploitation, and what they teach us about navigating the complexities of our own era.

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