The Smith Center First Book Workshop in Map History

The Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography and the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library invite applicants for the inaugural First Book Workshop in Map History. Any scholars who are working on their first book about the history of maps and mapping or on a topic that substantially engages the history of maps and mapping may apply. Scholars who have written a previous book or books are eligible so long as those books did not engage substantively with maps. The workshop is open to all periods, locations, and fields.

The workshop will last two days, in person at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Ahead of time, all participants and respondents will read everything the writers submit—whether that is a full manuscript or a subset of chapters and a book proposal. Each scholar will be paired with a senior scholar with expertise relevant to their manuscript. Each day will consist of a series of workshops on specific portions of each writer’s submission and presentations of Newberry material. For 2024, we will be able to accept three participants, at least one of whom is working in the Medieval or Early Modern period. The costs of travel, housing, and meals will be covered for all participants. 

To apply, please submit your application online through the Newberry Library portal at https://newberry.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/75078

Dates:
•	Applications Due: 1 November 2023
•	Workshop: 22 and 23 February 2024

Location:
•	Newberry Library, Chicago, IL

Eligibility:
•	You have at least three chapters of a manuscript and a proposal at the time of submission
•	You have not already published an academic book
•	You are engaging substantively with the history of maps and mapping
•	Your manuscript is in English

Evaluation Criteria:
•	The project will make a significant contribution to our understanding of map history
•	The project engages substantively with existing scholarship on the history of maps and mapping
•	The project has a likelihood of successful completion and publication

Application Materials:
•	Abstract (300-600 words)
•	One chapter
•	One letter of recommendation
•	CV

Contact:
David Weimer
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Director, Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography and Robert A. Holland Curator of Maps