Book Summary: A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders: Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps explores the history and evolving concept of borders and boundaries. It illustrates how these lines have influenced, and been influenced by, human societies over time.

The first known man-made international border, dividing Upper and Lower Egypt, was abolished around 3100 BCE when Menes unified Egypt, forming a unified national identity. Over time, borders evolved from undefined tribal territories to defined political boundaries marked by geographic features or walls, as seen in ancient empires like Rome and China.

As political organization developed, particularly in Western Europe around 1500, maps began reflecting more fixed boundaries, and the concept of the nation-state—where political and cultural identities align—emerged. This shift was solidified through European expansion and imperialism, imposing Western-style borders globally, sometimes with little regard for existing cultural or geographic realities. Today, maps suggest clear and rigid national divisions, a construct that was not always relevant to societies of the past.

The book aims to explore these historical boundaries and their long-term implications, acknowledging the subjective nature of its narrative and the unavoidable biases of its author. The approach is not strictly chronological but offers historical insights alongside contemporary reflections on borders’ significance.

Book Summary Contents

1 What Are Questions that A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Answers?
2 A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Details & Statistics
- 2.1 Statistics of A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps
3 A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps Quotes
4 A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Table Of Contents
5 A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Book Summary
6 About the Author: Jonn Elledge
7
8 Attachments & References
- 8.1 Share:

What Are Questions that A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Answers?

Why and how were historical borders established, and how did they shape civilizations?
What are the consequences of borders drawn through history on current global conflicts and politics?
How do cultural, religious, and geographic factors influence border creation and modification?
In what ways have colonial borders contributed to contemporary issues in Africa, the Middle East, and other regions?
How do borders exist beyond physical space (e.g., time zones, maritime boundaries)?

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Details & Statistics

Attribute	Details
Publisher	The Experiment (October 8, 2024)
Language	English
Paperback	368 pages
ISBN-10	189101157X
ISBN-13	978-1891011573

Statistics of A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps

Best Sellers Rank: #46,779 in Books
Category Rankings:
- #1 New Release in Historical Atlases & Maps
- #15 in World Atlases & Maps
- #18 in Historical Atlases & Maps
- #33 in European Politics Books
Customer Reviews:
- Average Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 3 Amazon reviews)
- Goodreads Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (184 ratings)
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Genres: History, Nonfiction, Geography, Politics, Historical

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps Quotes

“Borders are ideas more than they are physical facts; they exist in the mind as much as on the map.”
“The world’s lines are reminders that what was made can also be unmade.”
“Every line on a map tells a story of human vanity, ambition, and the urge to create order.”
“Even the oldest borders were shaped as much by power and imagination as by rivers or mountains.”
“To understand borders is to understand the choices and conflicts that shaped them.”
“A map is more than just lines; it’s a reflection of humanity’s quest to carve out identity and space.”
“Borders endure, shift, and sometimes vanish, but the human need for them remains.”
“No border is inevitable; each one is a reminder of decisions that might have gone another way.”
“The lines of the past reach into the present, influencing the lives of people who may never cross them.”
“The power of a border lies not in its strength but in its ability to shape human lives and identities.”

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Table Of Contents

List of Maps

Introduction

PART ONE: HISTORIES

The Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt
The Great Wall of China and the Border as Unifier
Why Is Europe Not a Peninsula in Asia?
The Roman Limes and the Power of the Periphery
The Legacies of Charlemagne
The Borders of Great Britain
Of Feudalism, Marquises, Margraves and Marcher Lords
The Open Borders Policies of Genghis Khan
Spain and Portugal Carve Up the World
Holy, Roman and an Empire
Britain, Ireland and the Invention of Cartographic Colonialism
The Much Misunderstood Mason–Dixon Line
The Local Government Reforms of Emperor Napoleon I
The American Invasion of Mexico
The Schleswig-Holstein Business
‘… Where No White Man Ever Trod’
The Sudan–Uganda Border Commission
European Nationalism and the United States of Greater Austria
Britain and France Carve Up the Middle East
The Partition of Ulster
The Partition of India
The Iron Curtain and the Division of Berlin

PART TWO: LEGACIES

Königsberg/Kaliningrad, Eastern Germany/Western Russia
The Strange Case of Bir Tawil
The Dangers of Gardening in the Korean DMZ
China’s Nine-Dash Line and Its Discontents
The Uncertain Borders Between Israel and Palestine
The Siamese Twin Towns of Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau
The US–Canada Border, and the Trouble with Straight Lines
Some Places That Aren’t Switzerland
Some Notes on Microstates
City Limits
The Curse of Suburbia and the Borders of Detroit
Washington, DC, and the Square Between the States
Borders from a Land Down Under
Some Accidental Invasions
Costa Rica, Nicaragua and the ‘Google Maps War’
The Mapmaker’s Dilemma

PART THREE: EXTERNALITIES

A Brief History of the Prime Meridian
Some Notes on Time Zones
A Brief History of the International Date Line
Of Maritime Boundaries and the Law of the Sea
Some Notes on Landlocked Countries
How the World Froze Territorial Claims in Antarctica
The Other, Bigger, More Musical Europe
Boundaries in the Air
The Final Frontier
Conclusion: The End of the Line
Further Reading
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps by Jonn Elledge Book Summary

Part One: Histories

Chapter 1: The Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt

This chapter examines the world’s earliest documented border, the division between Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BCE. It highlights how Menes (or possibly Narmer) unified these two regions, creating the first national border. This division in the Nile Valley laid the foundation for one of history’s longest-standing civilizations. Elledge explores how this unification wasn’t merely political but also symbolic, uniting two cultures into a cohesive identity represented by the Pharaohs’ “double crown.”

Chapter 2: The Great Wall of China

Elledge recounts the building of the Great Wall, examining how it functioned both as a protective barrier and as a symbol of Chinese unification and identity. Built over centuries, the wall reflects China’s approach to borders as means of protecting and unifying territories rather than just marking separation. This chapter explores how the wall evolved from a physical fortification against invasions into a lasting symbol of Chinese strength and resilience.

Chapter 3: Why Is Europe Not a Peninsula in Asia?

This chapter investigates the arbitrary boundary between Europe and Asia. Rooted in Greek and later Christian influences, this division shaped the idea of Europe as a distinct entity. Elledge analyzes how the Bosporus Strait and the Urals were used to define this boundary, despite the two regions sharing the same landmass. The chapter reflects on how these geographic divisions affected the development of European identity and politics.

Chapter 4: The Roman Limes and the Power of the Periphery

Focusing on the Roman Empire’s borders, this chapter explores the “Limes” (Latin for “boundary lines”), such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Limes Germanicus. These fortifications marked the empire’s edges, defending against barbarian invasions and creating a controlled zone for trade and taxation. Elledge describes how these boundaries helped define the Roman identity and separated civilization from perceived “barbarian” lands.

Chapter 5: The Legacies of Charlemagne

This chapter covers Charlemagne’s empire and the Treaty of Verdun (843 CE), which divided his territories among his grandsons and created borders that shaped Europe’s development. The chapter highlights how this division left lasting boundaries and rivalries, with France and Germany still reflecting this historical division. Charlemagne’s reign left a cultural and political legacy that influenced European nations’ identities and their contested borders for centuries.

Chapter 6: The Borders of Great Britain

Elledge recounts the development of borders within Great Britain, shaped by feudalism, conquest, and internal divisions. He explores how the border between England and Scotland, established by treaties and skirmishes, influenced the cultural identities on either side. The chapter also covers the division of Wales and Ireland, examining how these lines became markers of resistance against English rule.

Chapter 7: Of Feudalism, Marquises, Margraves, and Marcher Lords

In medieval Europe, Elledge explores how borders were marked by feudal titles and defensive territories. These “Marches” or frontier lands were governed by nobles tasked with defending borders from neighboring kingdoms. The chapter highlights how feudalism structured borders and societies, with territories like the English-Welsh Marches becoming significant cultural and defensive lines.

Chapter 8: The Open Borders Policies of Genghis Khan

This chapter examines the Mongol Empire’s open-border approach, which fostered trade, cultural exchange, and communication across vast territories. Genghis Khan’s policies enabled the movement of goods and people along the Silk Road, influencing Eurasian civilizations. Elledge shows how the Mongols’ approach to borders promoted an early form of globalization.

Chapter 9: Spain and Portugal Carve Up the World

Elledge details the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494), where Spain and Portugal divided the non-European world, sanctioned by the Pope. This chapter highlights how these boundaries impacted the colonial world, creating legacies still visible in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Elledge discusses the lasting effects of this division, such as linguistic and cultural differences across former colonies.

Chapter 10: Holy, Roman and an Empire

Exploring the Holy Roman Empire, Elledge examines the complex and fragmented borders within this vast European empire. The empire was a patchwork of principalities, duchies, and free cities that stretched across Central Europe, bound together by fealty rather than centralized control. This decentralized structure fostered both cultural diversity and political instability.

Chapter 11: Britain, Ireland, and the Invention of Cartographic Colonialism

This chapter discusses Britain’s colonization of Ireland and the influence of cartography in establishing colonial borders. Elledge shows how mapping transformed Ireland, marking it for English control and sowing seeds for future conflicts. Maps were used not only for governance but as tools for asserting control over land and people, foreshadowing later colonial practices.

Chapter 12: The Mason–Dixon Line

The chapter examines the famous Mason–Dixon Line, initially intended to settle a border dispute between Pennsylvania and Maryland, but which became a symbolic divide between North and South in the United States. Elledge explains how this border gained meaning over time, especially as a line separating slave states from free states, and its significance in American history.

Part Two: Legacies

Chapter 13: Königsberg/Kaliningrad

This chapter examines Königsberg, a city that became Kaliningrad under Soviet control after WWII, illustrating shifting European borders. Elledge highlights how this territorial transfer continues to impact German-Russian relations, showing how historical claims and population changes affect contemporary geopolitics.

Chapter 14: The Strange Case of Bir Tawil

Elledge explores Bir Tawil, a strip of land between Egypt and Sudan claimed by neither country due to colonial-era border ambiguities. This unique situation illustrates the arbitrariness of some borders and how shifting colonial lines have left unresolved territorial issues.

Chapter 15: The Uncertain Borders Between Israel and Palestine

Focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Elledge examines the complex, overlapping claims to territory in the Middle East. The chapter discusses how British and French colonial policies created modern-day disputes, leading to continuous border conflicts and negotiations.

Chapter 16: The US–Canada Border

This chapter discusses the world’s longest undefended border, tracing its creation and adjustment through treaties and geographic challenges. Elledge explains how straight-line borders can create governance issues and affect cultural interactions, such as cross-border Indigenous communities.

Chapter 17: City Limits

Elledge examines how cities’ borders shape urban identities and governance. Cities like Washington, DC, and Detroit, shaped by historical and geographic borders, demonstrate how urban lines influence economics, segregation, and political power.

Chapter 18: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the “Google Maps War”

This chapter recounts a dispute sparked by an error in Google Maps, which misrepresented the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border. Elledge highlights the dangers of relying on digital maps and how online platforms can inadvertently affect real-world boundaries and diplomatic relations.

Part Three: Externalities

Chapter 19: A Brief History of the Prime Meridian

Elledge traces the history of the Prime Meridian, showing how Britain’s dominance in global navigation led to Greenwich becoming the global time standard. This chapter explores how time became a border that organizes societies worldwide and underlines the historical role of the British Empire in shaping global standards.

Chapter 20: Some Notes on Time Zones

This chapter delves into the creation of time zones, explaining how they serve as a temporal boundary dividing nations. Elledge examines how time zones can impact local economies, travel, and communication, using examples like the complex time boundaries in China and Russia.

Chapter 21: A Brief History of the International Date Line

Elledge discusses the International Date Line, an arbitrary line that creates a temporal border between calendar days. The chapter explores how countries like Samoa have changed sides for economic benefits, highlighting the flexibility and significance of time-based borders.

Chapter 22: Of Maritime Boundaries and the Law of the Sea

This chapter examines maritime borders, shaped by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Elledge explains how countries use territorial waters to extend their influence, with disputes over fishing rights, oil reserves, and shipping lanes illustrating the complexity of maritime borders.

Chapter 23: Boundaries in the Air

Elledge explores airspace boundaries, controlled by individual nations but influenced by international aviation agreements. This chapter discusses how aerial borders affect travel, commerce, and military strategy, especially in contested regions like the South China Sea.

Chapter 24: The Final Frontier

The final chapter looks at space as the ultimate border, discussing how international treaties like the Outer Space Treaty attempt to govern territories beyond Earth. Elledge considers the challenges of future space exploration, including ownership of resources and potential conflicts over extraterrestrial borders.

About the Author: Jonn Elledge

A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps — Author’s image source: threads.com

Jonn Elledge is a columnist for the New Statesman and a contributor to various publications, including The Big Issue, The Guardian, and The Evening Standard. He previously served as assistant editor at the New Statesman, where he founded and managed CityMetric, a platform focused on urbanism.

During his six years there, he immersed himself in writing about cities, maps, and borders, while also hosting the Skylines podcast. Elledge has authored three books and penned over a hundred editions of his popular Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything. He resides in London.