The term ‘atlas’ is used for a book of maps and charts and was first coined in 1570 by Gerardus Mercator, after the book of maps he published had a cover illustration of Atlas holding a globe on his shoulders. In Greek mythology Atlas was a Titan condemned by the god Zeus, to hold up the sky.

Mercator was a cartographer but most of his income was derived from his craftsmanship of mathematical instruments. He assisted in the construction of a terrestrial globe in 1535 but his contribution was not primarily as a cartographer but as an engraver of brass plates. The first map he produced was of Palestine in 1537 and then he went to produce a map of the world.

Mercator devised a method of producing globes by moulding papier-mache on a wooden mould. He then engraved and printed sets of world maps on twelve tapering gores which were then cut out and applied to the globe with circular engraved caps covering the ends at the poles. The globes were then hand-tinted with watercolour and set in wooden stands. This was a form of mass production and there are some of these still in existence.

He is also remembered for Mercator’s projection, a method of map-drawing commonly used for nautical maps.

This week’s selection of new titles comes from the Homes and Architecture section. Books on maps and Gerardus Mercator are to be found in the Science and Technology section, with atlases in the Countries and the Quick Reference areas.

Classic homes. Be taken on a fascinating journey through the most beautiful and inspiring interiors. 747 CLA

Deck designs: great ideas from top deck designers by Steve Cory.  Over 480 photos and illustrations showcase the latest in deck designs and trends. 690.893 COR

Exceptional treehouses. Rustling leaves, spectacular views and the calm of living in the trees is captured in 30 stunning treehouses. 728.9 EXC

Kitchens. Every kitchen in this volume is unique and reflects the owners’ way of life and personality. 747.797 KIT

Romantic Irish homes. Robert O’Byrne shows that Irish houses have a character and personality quite different from that found anywhere else – quixotic, whimsical and quirky. 747.22915 OBY

Victorian and Edwardian houses: a guide to care and maintenance by Janet Collings is for owners of houses that were built in the early 1900s and aims to help them to become responsible custodians for the future. 728.0941 COL