The Complete Atlas of World History (3 Volume Set) - Hardcover

Haywood, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1563248549 ISBN 13: 9781563248542

Publisher: Routledge, 1997

Synopsis

Text, maps, and illustrations present the history of the world from 4,000,000 BC to 1997.

About this title

From Booklist:

This handsome atlas, edited by professors of history, archaeology, anthropology, and internal affairs from the United Kingdom, U.S., and Australia, gives comprehensive coverage from 4,000,000 B.C. to the present. The set is clearly laid out and could be as easily perused and understood by junior-high-school students as by adults. The first volume begins with the approximate date of the oldest known hominid, 4.4 million years ago. Volume 2 covers 600 A.D. to 1783, while volume 3 extends coverage to include events from 1997. There are 56 maps in each volume.

Within each volume, arrangement is chronological, and then by continent, geographical area, or country. Maps are numbered according to the volume within which they appear, followed by the number of the map within the volume. A "Using This Atlas" section at the beginning of each volume explains the typographical conventions, location of information on the maps, coloration, and features of the world history and regional maps. Each volume's coverage starts with a series of world maps, followed by maps that focus on specific regions. Supporting text surrounds each map, leaving sufficient white space to give an uncluttered, easy-to-read appearance.

Coverage of world areas varies. The Near East and the Mediterranean receive more coverage in volume 1, which deals with the origins of civilization. Volumes 2 and 3, covering 600 A.D. to the present, give roughly equivalent space to each continent. Judiciously placed insets are used where relatively small areas require a more in-depth look. Though political maps predominate, there are also numerous maps dealing with, for example, resources, migratory patterns, and the spread of religions. The whole creates a clear picture of change over time.

Projections are consistent and easy to compare, with the scale noted in both miles and kilometers per inch or centimeter. Most of the maps--clearly tinted in clear, soft colors--are double-page spreads. As a result, some details are lost in the gutters. A time line is located in the lower left corner of each spread, while detailed map keys vary in position on the page. Each map contains a wealth of information. For example, one on Middle and New Kingdom Egypt shows zones of direct command and dominance of the Middle Kingdom, four areas figuring in the New Kingdom, along with 12 other elements, from tombs to temples to major migrations. At times, the crossing lines and multiple designations can be a little confusing, and they call for a close reading of both the keys and the maps. However, the labeling is clear and the colors are well differentiated. The maps, overall, have an attractive, approachable appearance.

Indexing is thorough. The cumulative index, located at the end of volume 3, is alphabetical by place name or topic. Map locations for each listing are given by volume number and page number. Individual volume indexes, also alphabetically listed, give page number only. The indexes are accurate and complete, the only detraction being the small font.

This atlas has far fewer maps than Hammond's acclaimed Times Atlas of World History [RBB My 15 94]. It uses a uniform map style throughout and conveys each theme in a single map, while Times tends to use a greater variety of smaller maps. For example, where Sharpe has one map representing the Byzantine Empire from 610 to 1204, Times has five. This simpler approach may make the Sharpe atlas more accessible for younger readers. The Complete Atlas of World History is suitable for collections aimed at junior-high-school students and up.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up-Because of their format, historical atlases are often difficult to use, and this handsome resource is no exception. However, with a little self-orientation, readers can familiarize themselves with the set's organization, which is explained in the front of each volume. The effort will pay off, making it possible for users to trace a particular story (e.g., the Celts) through regions and periods of time. Each volume covers a huge chunk of history (4,000,000 years ago-A.D. 600; A.D. 600-1783; 1783-present) and is divided between world-map spreads covering different periods within the defined time frame and regional/topical-map spreads that treat areas and subjects (e.g., the growth of the Roman Empire). The text presents a brief survey, containing cross references to related topics. The bulk of each spread is occupied by a map that offers a wide variety of data (places, events, routes and expeditions, cultural and political groups, migrations, significant structures, territorial expansion, etc.). Timelines indicate major events within the period under consideration, a unique feature that adds considerably to the work's value. In addition, the regional/topical maps each have a list of numbered captions that provide brief information about points indicated on the map itself. This resource has only general information regarding the period of 1945 to 1997. Fine typographical distinctions on the maps indicate whether the name used is a state/empire, dependency/territory, tribe, cultural group, or geographical region. With its high-quality index (both volume specific and cumulative), easy-on-the-eye print, and an outstanding layout, this set is exemplary. Subtle coloring and logical spacing and placement have precluded the visual confusion that such publications often produce. An excellent resource for sophisticated and motivated high school students.
Tess McKellen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1563248549
• ISBN 13: 9781563248542
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400