Maphead

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In his follow-up to the best-seller *Brainiac*, Ken Jennings explores the intriguing world of America's map enthusiasts in *Maphead*. While geography often makes headlines for students' shortcomings, these passionate individuals thrive on their love for maps. Some embark on ambitious quests, such as visiting all 3,143 U.S. counties or all 936 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Others delve into rare map collections or engage in modern treasure hunts, like geocaching or tracking degree confluences using GPS devices. There are those who even create imaginary maps, crafting detailed worlds that exist only in their minds. Jennings, a lifelong map aficionado himself, recalls sleeping with a Hammond atlas instead of a teddy bear. As he journeys across the country, he meets fellow enthusiasts—map librarians, publishers, "roadgeeks," young National Geographic Bee champions, and the tech innovators behind Google Maps. Through these encounters, he gains a deep appreciation for these geographic obsessives. In an age where technology and geographic illiteracy can disconnect us from our surroundings, the expertise of mapheads becomes increasingly vital. They are the ones who always know their exact location and the layout of the world around them.