I came across this projection a couple of years ago and completely changed the way that I look at maps:

http://flowingdata.com/2010/10/18/true-size-of-africa/

Obligatory XKCD reference

http://xkcd.com/977/

A Guide to Coordinate Systems in Great Britain is a wonderful resource as well

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/gps/docs/A_Guide_t...

That is the best-written article I've ever seen on this topic. Thank you for posting it!

Along these lines, I'd recommend the book Flattening the Earth by John P. Snyder.