Book Details

"For years Mark Monmonier, "a prose stylist of no mean ability or charm" according to the Washington Post, has delighted readers with his insightful understanding of cartography as an art and technology that is both deceptive and revealing. Now he turns his focus to the story of political cartography and the redrawing of congressional districts. His title Bushmanders and Bullwinkles combines gerrymander with the surname of the president who actively tolerated racial gerrymandering and draws attention to the ridiculously shaped congressional districts that evoke the antlers of the moose who shared the cartoon spotlight with Rocky the Flying Squirrel." "Bushmanders and Bullwinkles examines the political tales maps tell when votes and power are at stake. Monmonier shows how redistricting committees carve out favorable election districts for themselves and their allies; how disgruntled politicians use shape to challenge alleged racial gerrymanders; and how geographic information systems can make reapportionment a controversial process with outrageous products. He also explores the debates over the proper roles of natural boundaries, media maps, census enumeration, and ethnic identity. Monmonier also questions recent successful challenges to contorted election districts. Do the Supreme Court's pronouncements reflect obsolete assessments of distance and shape? How relevant is a district's perimeter? Is a focus on form, not function, little more than a distraction from larger issues like power sharing and election reform?"--BOOK JACKET.