Final answer:
John Barry was the first American to receive a copyright for a map, which falls into the category of cartographic creations. Copyrights protect authors' original works by prohibiting unauthorized use, and they typically last for the author's lifetime plus 70 years.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Barry received the first American copyright for a map. Copyrights are a form of legal protection granted by the laws of the United States, which prevent the unauthorized reproduction, display, or performance of original works of authorship. Various works such as literary pieces, musical compositions, and cartographic creations like maps can be protected under copyright law.
The concept of copyright has evolved from the times when authors circulated handwritten manuscripts among a select group of readers. This form of sharing was common before the formal idea of intellectual property emerged in the early 1770s. Today, a copyright lasts for the duration of the author's life plus 70 years, securing the rights to their creation.
In this case, John Barry's copyrighted map highlights the importance of copyright as a means to preserve the rights of creators in various fields including cartography.