The Word for World
The Maps of Ursula K. Le Guin
(Author) Ursula K. Le GuinWhen Ursula K. Le Guin started writing a new novel, she would begin by drawing a map. The Word for World is the first publication focusing on maps by the celebrated author, publishing many for the first time together with writing from a variety of perspectives to enquire into the relationship between the world and its representation through creative dialogue with her fictions. Her maps offer starting points to reflect on the roles of architecture and placemaking in the creative process, worldbuilding, and paradigms of knowledge, exemplified by the map's edges and how a map is made. Through poems, stories, essays and theory, The Word for World reimagines her maps as carrying technologies of memory. Co-published by Spiral House and AA Publications to coincide with an exhibition of Ursula K. Le Guin's maps at the Architectural Association, London, opening on 10 October 2025.
Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin was an American author known for her contributions to science fiction and fantasy literature. She is best known for her Earthsea series and the Hainish Cycle, which explore themes of gender, identity, and society. Le Guin's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose, philosophical depth, and imaginative world-building. She was a pioneer in the genre, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions with her thought-provoking narratives. Le Guin's impact on literature has been profound, influencing generations of writers and readers with her visionary storytelling. Her most famous work is "The Left Hand of Darkness," a groundbreaking novel that explores themes of gender and politics on a distant planet. Le Guin's legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
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