The Complete Atlas of the World

Maps, diagrams, and text provide information on the geography, governments, habitat, climate, environment, industry, and agriculture of each area in the world

In this atlas for upper-elementary and middle-school students, more than 150 full-color maps illustrate the world's geography, environment, industry, and agriculture. Charts and graphs show climate, population, government, religions, and languages.

The front matter focuses on changes in the world's physical, political, and environmental conditions. The atlas divides the continents into 23 regions. Some countries are treated by themselves; others are grouped together. The European bias often found in atlases prepared in the U.K. is detected here. Individual European countries are shown on maps with a scale of 1:150; all of South America is on one map with a scale of 1:800. There are six maps (political, physical, environmental, population, agriculture, and industry) for each country or region, plus a locator map. Text introduces the area to the reader; charts give statistics, and flags are pictured. Charts and graphs provide information on climate. Concluding the work are a five-page gazetteer, a glossary, and a one-page index.

Figures are given in both Standard and metric measurements. Information is timely and accurate. This atlas is similar in many ways to The Dorling Kindersley World Reference Atlas [RBB Mr 1 95], which is more detailed and aimed at an older audience. Teachers will find The Complete Atlas of the World useful in classrooms. Of course, buy a copy for the library.

Lye is the author of the "Take a Trip to..." series and other geographical books for young readers. He provides the text for the Complete Atlas, while the remainder has been planned and produced by Andromeda Oxford Ltd. Divided into two sections?by world and by 23 regions?the volume is rich in thematic maps that feature the various geographical aspects of our planet. Basic data and flags are given for independent countries in each region, with physical, political, habitat, environmental, population, industrial, and agricultural maps providing further details. Climate graphs are also included. Maps and flags are beautifully printed in color and completely up-to-date, including post-apartheid changes in South Africa. The emphasis on geography is to be commended. This work provides an excellent transition between truly juvenile atlases and those intended for adults. Similar juvenile atlases currently available that might appeal to younger readers include the Eyewitness Atlas of the World (Dorling Kindersley, 1994) and Rand McNally Picture Atlas of the World (1993, rev. ed.). These atlases omit thematic maps but feature inset illustrations of landmarks and people in very handsome formats. Neither is as up-to-date as the Complete Atlas of the World, which is highly recommended for reference collections in school libraries and YA collections in public libraries.?Edward K. Werner, St. Lucie Cty. Lib. Sys., Ft. Pierce, Fla.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.