DK Concise Atlas of the World

From Library Journal
These well-organized atlases offer clear transitions from more general global information and maps to sections on continents, each of which contains continental and regional close-ups with maps and information. From the most basic Compact, the price increases according to the quantity of additional maps and other materials. Each atlas carries an identical core of maps. The Concise provides the most comprehensive coverage, including over 400 maps, many photos, geographical comparisons, thumbnail information on each country, and a range of topics from the solar system to international disputes. The Essential, including over 60 maps, offers a nifty, easy-to-use ready-reference resource full of geographical and political information. The well-priced paperback Compact contains 60 maps and less additional information. Despite the brilliant map colors and digitally achieved definition, none of these atlases contains detailed maps for each state in the United States, as does the Rand McNally Premier World Atlas (Rand McNally, 2001). Although the measurements of each atlas differ (Concise, 131/4" x 95/8"; Essential, 81/2" x 6"; Compact, 10 7/8" x 81/2"), there is sometimes no corresponding difference among them in the detail shown for a particular area. For example, all three show only seven cities in the state of Connecticut in the U.S. Northeast regional close-up map. However, the Concise shows the Chechenskaya Respublika, while the others do not. Though only the Concise and the Essential contain glossaries, the index-gazetteer at the end of all three contains wonderful comparative and statistical information, country-by-country particulars, and an extensive index. The Compact is a good purchase for individuals, but both the Concise and the Essential are highly recommended for academic, public, and school libraries. Michelle Foyt, Russell Lib., Middletown, CT Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
DK updated three atlases in 2003. Atlas of the World has more than 450 maps, Concise Atlas of the World has around 400 maps, and Compact Atlas of the World has around 60. In the two larger atlases, maps are surrounded by plenty of facts and graphics. Among the revisions is the new name for the former Yugoslavia RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
Featuring state of the art digital mapping, the DK Concise Atlas is an encyclopedic reference containing 400 accessible maps to every region of the world. Supported by detailed text, photographs and diagrams, this book provides a superb overview of physical, political, economic, and demographic geography of the world.


Book Info
Encyclopedic atlas contains more than 400 full-color maps of every region in the world; supported by detailed text, photographs, and diagrams. Provides an overview of the physical, political, economic, and demographic state of the world. Includes global and regional mapping, terrain models, key information on each region's land use, and a full index-gazetteer.


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One in a suite of recently published atlases (Essential World Atlas; Compact Atlas of the World), this revised edition delivers a hefty dose of maps (400 total) and index (nearly 40 percent of the volume) for a minimal price. Per continent, editor Heritage (The Great World Atlas) offers a fairly good balance of map coverage, with 22 percent of the maps of Europe, 23 percent of Asia, 22 percent of North America, 11 percent of Latin America, 10 percent of Africa, and 12 percent of Oceania. The section for each continent is made up of two pages of physical maps, two of political maps, and two of resources maps. Heritage follows up this portion with country and regional maps, which include detailed text, relatively small photographs, and occasional graphs. The shaded relief maps (showing general physiography) feature a pleasant color scheme. The Essential World Atlas and the Compact Atlas of the World are intended for home and office use but would also be appropriate for small libraries. Both The Great World Atlas (at 528 pages and $100) and now the Concise Atlas are intended for libraries. Those seeking a more comprehensive atlas should select the former, though the latter is appropriate for reference collections in public and college libraries.-Mary Lynette Larsgaard, Map & Imagery Lab Lib., Univ. of California, Santa Barbara Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.


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