D. Graham Burnett’s Masters of All They Surveyed is the fascinating tale of
how Guyana, first glimpsed by foreigners as a lush green shoreline, came to be
mapped. Somebody had to mark the boundaries for rival colonial powers to quarrel
over, and this is as much a history of imperialism as an attempt to understand
what drove one man to attempt such a thankless task. Published by the University
of Chicago Press, $45, ISBN 0226081206.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Environment
Suzanne Simard on the wood wide web, connectedness – and Avatar
Culture
Life
New Scientist recommends a smart new account of human exceptionalism
Culture
Comment
The best new popular science books of May 2026
Culture
Environment
Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass is still an essential read
Culture
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Why autism pioneer Uta Frith wants to dismantle the spectrum
2
Vocal fry is more common in men, actually, find scientists
3
Neanderthals treated a dental cavity by drilling into the tooth
4
Where did the laws of physics come from? I think I've found the answer
5
Rebooting stem cells builds aged muscles and assists injury recovery
6
Asteroid set to fly very close to Earth
7
PCOS has been officially renamed PMOS, and it’s a momentous move
8
Arctic fires are releasing carbon stored for thousands of years
9
A lost ancient script reveals how writing as we know it really began
10
What if the idea of the autism spectrum is completely wrong?
