Simon Spanton’s, Maps in fantasy novels: indispensable or superfluous? The debate between publishers and writers

Simon Spanton’s opinion: maps in fantasy are useless and inaesthetic

Simon Spanton, editorial director at Gollancz, is known for his aversion to the inclusion of maps at the beginning of fantasy novels. During an event organized by his publisher, Spanton expressed all his displeasure towards this practice, which is very common in the fantasy genre, defining maps as “a useless frill, often inaccurate and inaesthetic”.

According to Spanton, maps are not at all necessary for the understanding and enjoyment of a fantasy novel. He argues that they are included only for a kind of conditioned reflex, because “it has always been done this way”. He believes instead that fantasy books should be based solely on the quality of writing and narration, without the need to include approximate maps that in his opinion add nothing to the reading experience.

In essence, Spanton’s position is that maps are a useless visual embellishment that has nothing to do with the substance of a good fantasy novel. The skill of a writer lies in being able to transport the reader to another world through the evocative power of words and narrative style, certainly not through little drawings depicting invented mountains and forests.

Joe Abercrombie defends a measured use of maps in fantasy

Fantasy novelist Joe Abercrombie has also expressed perplexities about the abuse of maps in the fantasy genre, while taking a more diplomatic stance than Spanton.

According to Abercrombie, very often epic fantasy tends to be told on too large a scale, with very vast events seen from a great distance. This does not allow the reader to empathize with the characters and feel a sense of closeness to them. Maps showing the entire fantasy world on a single page contribute to this undesirable effect.

However, Abercrombie acknowledges that for some readers maps have a certain added value, helping them visualize the narrative world and enriching their reading experience. They can be a useful worldbuilding exercise that satisfies the most demanding readers.

In essence, his position is that maps are not inherently negative, but should be used wisely, only when they actually add something to the story. Inserted without criteria they risk being redundant and counterproductive.

The opinion of readers and experts: maps create involvement but risk becoming clichéd

Among both readers and experts in fantasy publishing, the debate over maps is heated. There are those who consider them fundamental to create engagement and those who instead see them as redundant and even harmful.

Among the supporters of maps there are those who point out how they enrich the immersion in the fantasy world, bringing a visual dimension to the story. They help the reader, especially if new to the fantasy genre, to orient themselves in the setting of the novel.

On the other hand, many point out how maps have now become an overused cliché, included by conditioned reflex even when there is no real need. Especially in low quality fantasy they risk being a lazy stratagem that adds nothing to the plot.

Ultimately, the issue remains controversial. Maps certainly have the potential to enrich the reading experience, but they should be used judiciously when actually needed. Inserted without discernment, they risk becoming a meaningless embellishment.

Maps in novels: a tradition that comes from afar

Including maps and charts in novels has a long tradition dating back to the beginnings of the modern novel. As early as the 18th century, novels like Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver’s Travels featured detailed maps of imaginary countries, helping the reader visualize these unknown lands.

The tradition then continued in the following centuries with masterpieces like Stevenson’s Treasure Island, equipped with a map of the imaginary island that forms the backdrop to the story. It is therefore not surprising that the fantasy genre, heir to 19th century adventure literature, has resumed the use of maps.

Today the debate is open on the artistic value and actual need for these maps. The fact remains that they have a long tradition behind them and that, used wisely, they can enrich the reading experience of a fantasy novel.

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