Compact Atlas of the World

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Packed with global facts and statistics, and including more than 60 maps of astonishing clarity, the Compact Atlas of the World is an unparalleled compact reference to all of the world's nations.

FROM THE CRITICS

KLIATT

The cover blurb claims this is an "unbeatable reference" and it may be right. The 60 or more clear and easily read topographical/political maps have colored borders keyed for their continents, and population keys for city size as well as keys for elevation and ocean depth. Each individual map is also located on a small globe at the top of the page. Print size and font are excellently suited to the maps. Full-page political and physical maps of the world precede the sectional maps and a detailed country fact file follows the maps. While the index print size is quite small, it is clear. One double page potentially helpful in a classroom contains "Geographical Comparisons," including such lists as smallest countries, largest deserts, and most widely spoken languages. KLIATT Codes: JSA*￯﾿ﾽExceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2003, DK, 192p. illus. index., Moore

Library Journal

On the covers of these two atlases the publisher asserts that they are "invaluable for home, school, or office use." While one might question the word invaluable, these works are certainly appropriate for use in those locations, but they may also have quick reference value in small branch libraries. If the smallest footprint possible is needed, one should choose the Essential Atlas (22 cm x 16 cm) since, surprisingly, it is smaller than the Compact Atlas (28 cm x 22 cm). In terms of content, the maps (about 60 in each) are often, though not always, the same except for scale. While the place-name index in the former atlas occupies more pages than the index in the latter, this seems to reflect the inability to shrink the type size any further and still have readable text rather than a significant difference in content. The key difference between the two works is that the Compact Atlas provides an entry-level overview, while the Essential Atlas offers more in-depth information on political borders, main populations, etc. One drawback is the emphasis on Europe over the rest of the world (about one quarter of all maps in both are devoted to the European continent). Overall, these two inexpensive and handy atlases make for a nice addition to small libraries. [In July, DK will issue the more comprehensive Concise Atlas of the World (ISBN 0-7894-9362-4. $30), which will feature 400 maps and full-color photographs and diagrams.-Ed.]-Mary Lynette Larsgaard, Map & Imagery Lab Lib., Univ. of California, Santa Barbara Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal