Atlas of the World

From Publishers Weekly
The latest revision of Oxford's highly acclaimed Atlas of the World is as up-to-date as can be in the post-September 11 world. "Site of former World Trade Center" says one caption on an updated map of lower Manhattan- and Baghdad has been added to the 67 maps of major cities around the world, including Moscow, Lisbon and Jerusalem. Statistics on the U.S. have been updated from the 2000 Census, and a new Gazetteer of Nations offers easy reference. But the heart, and strength, of this atlas remains the hundreds of colorful, beautifully detailed maps, conveying not only topographical features but also disputed boundaries, railways and principal roads. This is an indispensable reference for students as well as anyone interested in the state of the world, from population statistics to the environment and our impact on it. It will provide hours of happy, fascinating browsing. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
An impressive amount of information is packed into this atlas, and at only half the price of the excellent New International Atlas. The Oxford's reference maps contain even more detail than its 75,000-entry index implies, since many features labeled on the maps are not indexed. Of course, this omission is a major flaw if you're looking for these features. Still, the maps offer detailed elevation information, thanks to the use of both relief shading and colored contour layers. Unfortunately, this density makes some of the smaller place names difficult to read. Like the National Geographic, the Oxford uses a wide range of scales, with no attempt to standardize scales from map to map, something several other atlases do. But the basic design and layout of reference maps is consistent, with the scale, scale bar, height reference panel, and locator diagram always on the plate, easy to find and use. The Oxford also offers much additional information in the form of text, charts, graphs, and thematic maps.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Two atlases, both from reputable publishers, both the same title and price, both incorporating the most current political information, and both well designed and presented--what a delightful quandary to be in, trying to select only one! The answer depends upon your library's audience. The Hammond has a slightly higher percentage of maps of North America, the Oxford of Europe. The Hammond devotes more space to matters like "interpreting maps"; the Oxford has more pages of indexes plus a 32-page section of city maps. The Hammond atlas is the first such atlas to be generated completely from computer databases (it took five years and $5 million); the Oxford depends on the tried-and-true skills of the George Philip Group. The Oxford shows relief by hypsometric tints, the Hammond by color, shaded relief, and spot heights. They are both good buys, so if your users are oriented toward the United States and your map library has a good collection of large-city maps, try the Hammond; if Euro-centered, buy Oxford.- Mary L. Larsgaard, Univ. of California-Santa Barbara Map & Imagery Lab Lib.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Book News, Inc.
The first edition (1992) of this praiseworthy reference was thoroughly described and reviewed in several library journals. The second edition has been updated to show the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia; redraws the boundary between Saudi Arabia and Iraq; displays new administrative divisions in Nigeria; and updates details such as the latest Trans-Amazonian highways, a new reservoir south of Bamako, Mali, and the Guri Reservoir in Venezuela. With the volatility of world politics, publishers are pouring out new editions of atlases, and libraries must devote a portion of their budget to keeping up. This one, measuring 11.5x15", is for use with a big desk. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.


Book Description
Ten years ago, the first edition of Oxford's Atlas of the World was met with praise for the incredible beauty and accuracy of its maps as well as for its wealth of geographic data, and it only collects more accolades with each edition. The New York Times Book Review called it a "veritable encyclopedia of geographic and demographic information, profusely illustrated with multicolored maps and graphs," and Library Journal exclaimed that the newest edition was "a splendid achievement in geographical reference." The additions and improvements continue with an 11th Edition that boasts several new features. A Glossary of Geographical Terms will be an enormous asset to those unfamiliar with geographical jargon, and still more of the latest statistics will be collected in the colorful Introduction to World Geography section-providing abundant information on global issues such as climate, the greenhouse effect, plate tectonics, agriculture, population and migration, and global conflicts. Reflecting our turbulent and ever-changing planet, the 11th Edition will also highlight several key Regions in the News, keeping the atlas in step with current events. National Parks and Game Reserves have been added worldwide, and the overall precision and clarity of the entire book has been enhanced with redesigned map spreads. Laden with outstanding cartography, a revised Gazetteer of Countries, and nearly 70 sharp maps of the major cities on each continent, the Atlas also bears the distinction of being the only one of its kind that is updated annually to reflect the changing world around us. The recent dissolution of Yugoslavia, changes to provinces in Indonesia, refined name forms in Africa, alterations to administrative areas in Russia and Ethiopia, and dozens of other upgrades make this the most reliable atlas on the market. Providing the finest global coverage available, the Atlas of the World sets the standard for international atlases, living up to its reputation as an "indispensable reference," granted by NBC's Weekend Today Show.


Book Info
Atlas provides geographic and demographic information on every nation on earth. Includes 67 maps of cities worldwide and 176 pages of world maps, providing political and topographical information. Includes a 48-page introduction to world geography section, illustrated with color maps, charts, and graphs. Also includes a 46 x 34-inch world wall map. Previous ed: c2002.


Card catalog description
Includes computer-generated maps from a digital database, a section introducing world geography, and comprehensive indexing.


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One of the many benefits of computer cartography is that it allows the annual updating of this huge and beautiful world atlas at a relatively modest price. The major elements of the atlas include satellite images, brief summaries of history and statistics for the world's nations, world thematic maps and text, city maps (four per page), 176 pages of physical/political maps (the heart of the atlas), and a gazetteer. While the pagination is almost exactly the same as in the tenth edition (2002), the maps have been updated (e.g., the map of New York City is now post-9/11). The atlas is clearly aimed at North American and European audiences since about 45 percent of the maps are of those two continents. In terms of the competition, three references come to mind: two from 2003 (Times Atlas of the World, 11th ed., and National Geographic Atlas of the World, 7th ed.) and three from 1998/1999 (Millennium World Atlas, 21st Century World Atlas, and New International Atlas). The two 2003 atlases and the Oxford should be about the same in terms of currency, but the Oxford is the most affordable. Libraries that do not already have one or more of the 1998/1999 atlases would be better off buying one of the 2003 atlases: the Oxford is the best bet for libraries with limited funds, the National Geographic for libraries whose users will appreciate its unique style, and the Times-for years considered the best in the field-for libraries that can afford it.-Mary Lynette Larsgaard, Map & Imagery Lab. Lib., Univ. of California, Santa Barbara Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.


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