A newly acquired map of North Africa, now part of UTA Libraries’ Special Collections, brings with it a remarkable story, one that reaches back to 1482. 
 

The map was generously donated by Dr. Jack Franke, whose ongoing support has significantly shaped UTA Libraries’ cartographic holdings. Since 2017, Dr. Franke has contributed more than 800 rare maps, helping establish one of the largest Africa-focused map collections in the United States.

Madeline Lowry, Garrett Family Cartographic Archivist, emphasized the significance of this latest addition. 

 
“This newest acquisition is one of the earliest printed representations of North Africa and is officially the oldest object in our collections here at UTA,” Lowry said. “It’s depictions of settlements along the Nile show that the map draws on much earlier geographic knowledge, particularly the work of the second-century mathematician Claudius Ptolemy.” 

 
The map’s arrival strengthens UTA Libraries’ ability to support interdisciplinary learning and research. Students and faculty across history, geography, classical studies, science, and the arts will have the opportunity to engage directly with a primary source that illustrates how knowledge was understood and shared centuries ago. 

 
Dr. Franke noted that the map represents a pivotal moment in intellectual history. 

 
“This acquisition strengthens UTA’s commitment to building a focused, institutional-grade collection of early cartography,” Franke said. “It provides students and researchers with direct access to a foundational artifact that illustrates how geographic knowledge was preserved, transmitted, and refined across centuries."

The map is part of “Geographia,” a work by Florentine scholar Francesco Berlinghieri, one of the earliest printed atlases to apply a consistent mathematical framework to the representation of the known world. 

“It’s a meaningful resource for both students and researchers,” Lowry said. “We’re incredibly grateful to Dr. Franke for his continued generosity and support of UTA Libraries.” 
 

The map is available for use through Special Collections and Archives, located on the sixth floor of the UTA Central Library. Materials may be accessed upon request. Special Collections is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Sunday and Monday.