A three-part series produced by BBC 4 

In a series about the extraordinary stories behind maps, Professor Jerry Brotton, British historian, Professor of Renaissance Studies, Queen Mary University of London uncovers how maps aren't simply about getting from A to B, but are revealing snapshots of defining moments in history and tools of political power and persuasion.

Maps: Power, Plunder and Possession – Episode 2: Spirit of the Age ( Click here to watch ) | (60 min; 2010; English)
Director: Helen Nixon

Professor Jerry Brotton examines the way maps have reflected contemporary politics and belief - and in some cases inspired them. He studies medieval religious cartography on maps showing pilgrims the routes to Jerusalem or heaven, Victorian illustrations of the world - with every nation awarded a score according to how `civilised' they were deemed to be - and modern mapping of social problems including infant mortality and HIV.