The Great Atlas of Discovery - Hardcover

Grant, Neil

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679816607 ISBN 13: 9780679816607

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1992

Synopsis

Maps and text depict major areas and routes of exploration from about 6000 B.C. to the present

About this title

Reviews

Grade 6 Up-- A basically chronological approach to exploration, beginning with the Phoenicians and concluding with a capsule presentation of 20th-century exploration of the moon plus ongoing research studies of rain forest and desert areas, etc. Each major explorer, national group, or geographical area is covered in a double-page spread that is dominated by a heavily illustrated map of the principal area of activity. The maps indicate routes, important place names, and major geographical features. Important events and discoveries along the routes are explained by small illustrations with accompanying text. Areas of secondary activity or the "bigger picture" (showing a complete voyage from point of origin to destination) are illustrated with smaller, simplified maps when warranted. Supplemental illustrated information about individual explorers, indigenous populations and their centers, major routes, natural resources, etc., fill the margins of the pages. Most spreads include a scale, sometimes difficult to find. Some spreads are visually confusing. This is particularly true of a topic such as "Columbus and the New World," where four voyages within a relatively small area must be sorted out. In general, users must be prepared to refer repeatedly to the opening page that explains map features, symbols, etc., but the effort yields substantial rewards. This is a rich resource (although in places too ambitious) that should receive heavy use. The illustrated maps are beautiful, and the supplementary drawings, photographs, and reproductions are well chosen and well placed.
- Tess McKellen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

World exploration from 6000 B.C. to 1989 A.D., in chronological order with plentiful illustrative material: portraits; photos and drawings of instruments, equipment, exotic plants, animals, people, and landforms; maps (not always easy to follow when several routes are shown on the same map). The brief explanatory text touches on political and economic outcomes. The standard folks are here, plus some less familiar ancients: Egyptian, Muslim, Chinese. It all adds up to less information than a general encyclopedia, but the treatment is much more colorful. No women are mentioned; Matthew Henson, the only African American included, is described (in one sentence) as Peary's ``servant and friend.'' Attractive despite its brevity. Index. (Nonfiction. 10- 12) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679816607
• ISBN 13: 9780679816607
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64