National Geographic Desk Reference - Hardcover

National Geographic Society

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792270827 ISBN 13: 9780792270829

Publisher: National Geographic, 1999

Synopsis

An essential information source, the only full-color desk reference available, offers a comprehensive one-volume collection of geographic facts, including charts, maps, photographs, a complete index, coverage of human and cultural geography, and more. BOMC.

About this title

Review

Geographers, natural scientists, sociologists, environmentalists, explorers (both armchair and ambulant), and cartographers, take note: National Geographic has put out a desk reference, and it's a beaut. The mere heft of it (3.75 lbs.) is inspiring, and the contents more than live up to National Geographic's reputation for quality.

It was written by five professors with Ph.D.s in geography and geology, natural sciences, and urban studies, and the text adheres to rigorous scholarly standards, nonetheless speaking to a broad audience. In other words, there's much to by gained by professionals, but it's accessible to those who routinely nodded off during high school earth science, too. The Desk Reference is organized into four parts. "What Is Geography?" takes a look at the history of geography and the history of maps and globes, forming Part I. Part II, "Physical Geography," delves into the structure, composition, formation, dimensions, and tilt of Planet Earth, followed by a lucid discussion of weather, climate patterns, geology, and bioregions. Next comes Part III, "Human Geography," which examines the population, migration, culture, politics, economy, and society throughout the world. And finally there is Part IV, "Places," with 216 pages devoted to summarizing the nations of the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, providing relevant statistics and notes on each country's economy, government, transportation, and communications. And these country sketches are followed by 11 superb maps, as well as a glossary.

In a time of change that's affecting our climates and populations, environments and national borders, National Geographic's Desk Reference is a welcome source of information, analysis, and perspective. --Stephanie Gold

From Library Journal

Combining National Geographic's respected reputation with an overall plan and writing provided by prominent geographers and a physically attractive presentation that includes nearly 300 illustrations, this work should become a classic on many reference shelves. The structure is simple, providing the basics of geography and maps, physical geography (such as information on climate, geology, and soils), human geography, an alphabetical listing of the world's 191 nations, 80 maps, a glossary, and an index to the first three parts. About one page is dedicated to each nation--with basic information on physical geography, location, population, religion, language, government, and economy. There is no other reference work exactly like this. A volume that may also find its way into many homes, it is recommended for public and academic libraries.
-Mary Lynette Larsgaard, Univ. of California, Santa Barbara
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: National Geographic
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0792270827
• ISBN 13: 9780792270829
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 704