The Globemakers: The Curious Story of an Ancient Craft by Peter Bellerby is a fascinating look into both the craft of globemaking and creation of one of the only companies making handcrafted globes. This is a history, a how-to (which is well beyond what most of us can afford to do), and a love story.

The genesis of the company, and of the book, was the desire to give his father a globe for his 80th birthday. Turns out, to give a quality globe was easier said than done, so he set out to do it himself. As we take this trip with him, we learn about mapmaking, globemaking, our planetary history, and the joy of pursuing one's interests.

The writing is engaging, whether we are reading about the history or the process of making the globes, and the photography is exceptional. While I'm sure many of the pictures are at least somewhat posed, they make the reader feel like we're there observing the process as it unfolds. And the finished products are beautiful.

While those with an interest in globes will certainly find a lot to enjoy here, anyone who enjoys learning about how things we sometimes take for granted (albeit, for most of us, cheaper versions) are made will absolutely come away with an entirely new appreciation for the globes we often use for decoration. If you just enjoy reading how someone found a niche, explored it, then jumped in with gusto you'll have a great time in this book.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )