These two maps make me think about the difference and similarities between beauty and information, and where the two work together and when you have to choose. There are trade offs (aesthetic and information) when you prioritize one. I suppose the juxtaposition of these two maps points at a tension in myself between efficiency and exploration, between information and emotion. I am drawn gutturally towards Shellys map of the History of Science fiction. This is for several reasons, one is that the color palette, the choice of line, the handwriting, the shapes and rounded edges, these are all pleasing to me. I am also drawn, but more slowly and more intellectually to Minards map- I admire the efficiency and purpose of the information, there is no bullshitting, the purpose is record and explanation. Also in Minards map you see at the top who funded it, why and when. The History of Science Fiction maps purpose is to illustrate the development of science fiction according to Ward Shelly. What if Minards map looked more like Shelly’s but contained the same information? What is the ultimate beauty and info combo? Nature?
