Student Atlas of the World

An atlas of the world introduces physical geography, maps and diagrams about the United States, and world statistics

The goal set forth in the foreword here is that this be a "convenient and moderately priced reference atlas" that is "accurate, authoritative, and comprehensive." It is current, showing Azerbaijan and Bosnia-Herzegovina. (The "Somali Republic" is shown, rather than the "Somali Democratic Republic".) The atlas is authoritative, with maps credited to HarperCollins and Collins-Longman Atlases. And it seems comprehensive, with 40 pages of descriptive material in addition to the 128 pages of maps. Like most atlases from the U.K., more attention is paid to Britain and the Commonwealth than to the rest of the world. For example, there is a map of Scotland on a scale of 1:60; maps of Central and South America are on a scale of 1:400. The U.S. is not shown in much detail either.

This atlas has some unusual features. Each map has an inset locator map that helps the user understand what part of the world the map represents. The multicolor maps combine physical and political features (even roads). Place-names are usually spelled in the language of the country shown, with Western forms in parentheses.

Introductory material is interesting, with charts and statistics about the earth's structure, vegetation, population, environment, and climate. Illustrations are colorful and fascinating. However, no sources are given for the information, and text is at high school reading level. Some map titles are unexpected (e.g., "The Levant" and "The Holy Land"). Probably the most important feature of an atlas is locating specific places on maps. Index type is tiny but bold and clear. While exact latitude and longitude are used for the 40,000 places listed, the numbers on the maps themselves are difficult to spot. Its hard to imagine a high school or public library purchasing a new atlas right now. But if your atlases show the "Soviet Union" or worse, "East Germany," this is an inexpensive way to update.

Political upheavals and armed conflicts in Eastern Europe and the former USSR have created a demand for atlases that identify and accurately depict the new nations of Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In the 128 map pages of this 914 1112 atlas, national boundaries, both new and old, are clearly defined, and the contemporary names of numerous cities and towns are given in small but (usually) legible type. The atlas is also strong in its presentation of physical features, such as elevations, mountains, and rivers. It is less useful for identifying political subdivisions, such as provinces, because their boundaries are shown in small dotted lines or not shown at all. The index contains 40,000 entries, including cross references from English to national-language names. There is also a 31-page "geographical encyclopedia" that may be useful if the atlas is used in a geography class. Recommended primarily for school libraries seeking a well-designed, up-to-date, intermediate-size atlas. Recent atlases reflecting the current political situation include Atlas of the World and Hammond Atlas of the World ( LJ 1/93) and The Economic Atlas of the New Europe ( LJ 4/1/93).--Ed.
- Peter B. Kutner, Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.