The Shape of the World
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About
Reveals how maps shape not only our sense of geography, but also our social, political, and even religious thinking. In the past, mapmakers have provoked assassinations, won or lost wars, and opened the ways to wealth and power. Today, they help answer the crises of epidemics and climate change. Narrated by Patrick Stewart. Shown over six weeks on PBS, from April 1, 1991 to May 6, 1991, The Shape of the World uses the subject of mostly old maps to cover history, from Eratosthenes, the Egyptian Greek who figured out the circumference of the Earth over 2,200 years ago to modern (in 1990) satellite mapping using computers. The film crews go all over the world, from Portugal to Mexico to the Palio in Siena to the Far East. 3-disc set Released August 2009 The epic tale of mapping the globe, as seen on PBS. Produced in consultation with the British Library and Royal Geographical Society-the world's largest scholarly organization dedicated to the science of geography. "Explores the history of mapmaking with elegance and intelligence" - The New York Times. How do we see the world? Some ancients believed it rode on the back of a turtle. The Greeks viewed it as a sphere and measured it with astonishing accuracy. Today, scientists monitor it from space, detecting complex climate patterns that threaten our survival. Narrated by Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: The Next Generation), this fascinating six-part series traces the history of mapmaking, from crude clay tablets to sophisticated electronic screens. Internationally respected historians, NASA scientists, and other experts explain how humans rely on imagination, observation, and mathematics to create pictures that make sense of our world. Throughout history, maps have served as symbols of wealth and power, tools of conquest and subjugation, and instruments for saving lives. They once held information worth killing for, and now they offer clues that might avert global destruction.
Cast
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Heaven and Earth
A "crude, flat disc" made by Babylonians is the oldest world map; Greeks speculate on the world and come up with a lot of answers, some accurate; China prints maps and embroiders them on silk; and Christians seek "paradise" as ancient views of the world are examined.
Secrets of the Sea
When overseas trade for spices and other precious commodities sparked bitter rivalries, charts became instruments of wealth and power. At various times, the Dutch, Portuguese, Venetians, and the Spanish used their superior knowledge of the oceans to gain the upper hand.
Staking a Claim
Explorers including Christopher Columbus, Hernando Cortez, and Sir Walter Raleigh stake claims for their countries, Holland's sneaky move gives it control of the spice trade, and John Harrison develops the marine chronometer.
Empire
France shrinks, or at least appears to, when accurate maps are surveyed. As the British cement their rule over India with a grand surveying project, George Everest "[lays] the foundation of modern surveying."
Pictures of the Invisible
The aerial camera helps mapmaking. In the twentieth century, surveying aids the search for oil and gold, radar maps the Brazilian rainforest, Monaco charts the undersea world, satellites map the Earth from space, and three-dimensional computer maps take shape.
The Writing on the Screen
The beneficial effect of maps—of ambulance routes, air traffic control, forest fires, natural disaster and disease patterns, global climate change, and the human brain—is charted.
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About The Shape of the World
Reveals how maps shape not only our sense of geography, but also our social, political, and even religious thinking. In the past, mapmakers have provoked assassinations, won or lost wars, and opened the ways to wealth and power. Today, they help answer the crises of epidemics and climate change. Narrated by Patrick Stewart. Shown over six weeks on PBS, from April 1, 1991 to May 6, 1991, The Shape of the World uses the subject of mostly old maps to cover history, from Eratosthenes, the Egyptian Greek who figured out the circumference of the Earth over 2,200 years ago to modern (in 1990) satellite mapping using computers. The film crews go all over the world, from Portugal to Mexico to the Palio in Siena to the Far East. 3-disc set Released August 2009 The epic tale of mapping the globe, as seen on PBS. Produced in consultation with the British Library and Royal Geographical Society-the world's largest scholarly organization dedicated to the science of geography. "Explores the history of mapmaking with elegance and intelligence" - The New York Times. How do we see the world? Some ancients believed it rode on the back of a turtle. The Greeks viewed it as a sphere and measured it with astonishing accuracy. Today, scientists monitor it from space, detecting complex climate patterns that threaten our survival. Narrated by Patrick Stewart (X-Men, Star Trek: The Next Generation), this fascinating six-part series traces the history of mapmaking, from crude clay tablets to sophisticated electronic screens. Internationally respected historians, NASA scientists, and other experts explain how humans rely on imagination, observation, and mathematics to create pictures that make sense of our world. Throughout history, maps have served as symbols of wealth and power, tools of conquest and subjugation, and instruments for saving lives. They once held information worth killing for, and now they offer clues that might avert global destruction. Across 1 season and 6 episodes, with status "Returning Series".
The Shape of the World Cast and Characters
The cast features Patrick Stewart. Their performances are a major reason The Shape of the World has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch The Shape of the World Online
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▶ Watch The Shape of the World NowWhy People Are Watching The Shape of the World
There's a reason The Shape of the World keeps showing up on "must-watch" lists. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Shape of the World
Where can I watch The Shape of the World online for free?
You can watch The Shape of the World online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does The Shape of the World have?
The Shape of the World has 6 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is The Shape of the World good? What's the rating?
The Shape of the World holds a 9.0/10 rating based on 1 reviews — genuinely excellent.
Who is in the cast of The Shape of the World?
The main cast includes Patrick Stewart.
Is The Shape of the World available in English?
Yes — The Shape of the World was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was The Shape of the World released?
The Shape of the World first aired in 1991.
Do I need an account to watch The Shape of the World on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch The Shape of the World without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Shape of the World for free?
You can watch The Shape of the World online for free on Bowood.TV. All 6 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does The Shape of the World have?
The Shape of the World currently has 1 season and a total of 6 episodes. The series status is "Returning Series", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is The Shape of the World about?
Reveals how maps shape not only our sense of geography, but also our social, political, and even religious thinking. In the past, mapmakers have provoked assassinations, won or lost wars, and opened the ways to wealth and power. Today, they help answer the crises of epidemics and climate change. Narrated by Patrick… It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is The Shape of the World originally available?
The Shape of the World was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was The Shape of the World first released?
The Shape of the World first premiered on April 1, 1991 (1991). The show is still ongoing with new episodes being released.
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