Synopsis
The DK World Atlas combines the latest cartographic information with state-of-the-art computerized terrain modeling to take you on an unparalleled journey around the globe. More than 450 maps created especially for this book show you exactly what the world really looks like today -- including the newest nations. Authoritative and easy to use, the DK World Atlas opens with twelve magnificent double-page spreads that give a global overview of the physical and human world as it is today. Then each continent is surveyed in detail, with maps describing the continent's physical landscape, political and cultural makeup, and the distribution of resources and economic activity.
At the heart of the atlas are the regional pages, which combine high-quality mapping with photography, diagrams, and landscape models -- all fully explained in detailed text and captions -- to provide an encyclopedic guide to the world in which we live. Major areas of the world are shown in unprecedented detail on eight fold-out maps. Computer-generated models of the landscape give an enhanced view of the physical structure of each region. At-a-glance maps spotlight interesting aspects of the areas covered, such as regional divisions, key economic activities, land use, and agriculture. The stunning color photographs on each spread convey the essence of the landscape and nature of each region. Every country within every continent is covered in its entirety, with large countries such as the United States and the Russian Federation shown in greater regional detail.
All 80,000 geographical names on the maps are listed in the Index-Gazetteer, complete with page and grid reference. Each pace name and geographical feature is defined and located with a brief description, easy-to-read symbols, and alternative names and spellings. Essential information on all the world's countries is provided in the Countries Gazetteer, while the glossary provides explanations and definitions of the technical geographical terms that are used in the atlas. Unrivaled in its clarity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness, the DK World Atlas is the ultimate atlas for homes, businesses, schools, and libraries.
Reviews
One lesson from the DK World Atlas is that the further an atlas goes beyond the basics of maps and indexes, the less likely it is to be a useful reference atlas. Another lesson is to maintain a healthy skepticism toward publishers' claims about their products. The DK describes itself as "a new standard in cartographic excellence." It is tricked out with the publisher's usual panoply of photos, diagrams, fact boxes, charts, graphs, and bits of text that presume to sum up an entire region's culture and history. Not only do these accoutrements clutter up the map pages, they are by turns oversimplified, sloppily written or edited, inaccurate, and dated. And while the country borders are largely up to date, the index is not. Overall, this work is superficial. It combines an attempt to provide encyclopedic geographic information with a lack of attention to detail. Given its many limitations and defects, this atlas is unsuitable for any library use.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
In an ever-changing world, staying current can be difficult, but here are two atlases that try. Completely up-to-date, DK's handsome volume reflects the recent reversion of Zaire to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the return of Hong Kong to China. The moderate size (38 cm) is enhanced by the inclusion of eight large-scale fold-out maps of key regions. Full-color maps portray the world, continents, and regions with detailed, computerized terrain modeling. Thematic maps are the principal feature of the "World Today" survey of our planet but are also included at the continent level. Also included in alphabetical order are geographical data entries for all 192 independent nations. The official flags illustrated on the back endpaper are completely current and accurate, though it would have been preferable to include this feature within the volume since library processing could interfere with its use. The index-gazetteer includes 80,000 entries. The Reader's Digest editors commissioned Rand McNally to provide 81 custom full-color maps for their Illustrated Great World Atlas (also 38 cm). Coverage ranges from world maps down to regions and major population centers, with fine topographical details. The introductory "Story of the Earth" uses color illustrations and thematic maps to explain landforms, habitats, weather, and resources. The "Nations of the World" section provides geographical information for 192 independent countries arranged by region, including demographic and economic data, descriptive narrative, and official flags. The map index includes more than 40,000 entries. It should be noted that the flag of the Republic of Georgia is erroneously shown as that of Mali, and the maps and data are not completely current: Hong Kong is included as part of China, but Zaire remains. The similarity of both atlases is evident, and either one would be a useful reference resource for any library. However, the up-to-date DK World Atlas, with its extensive index, clearly has the edge.?Edward K. Werner, St. Lucie Cty. Lib. System, Ft. Pierce, Fla.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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