From Publishers Weekly
Among purveyors of childlike wonderment and educational advancement, the name National Geographic is one of our most beloved and durable brands. Whether introducing readers to the leaping gazelles of the African veldt or the cosmic nebulae of space, National Geographic-whether in book or magazine form-has always offered glossy, perfect photographs and clean, authoritative captions. With this giant atlas of world geography, National Geographic introduces learners young and old to broad issues of population density, biodiversity, energy consumption and culture. Including more than 450 maps, illustrations and photographs, as well as brief reports on the biggest historical and geological movements of our planet's history, the atlas does what an atlas should do: it gives a big picture of land masses and meteorological patterns, provides an overview of each continents' characteristics, and offers a resource to turn to for science reports, sheer curiosity and even the answers to questions that flummox folks around the dinner table. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
This atlas is a smaller version of the standard National Geographic Atlas of the World (National Geographic, 1999). There are both political and physical maps of the continents and the oceans. The colors are outstanding on the smaller regional political maps so there is no confusion as to borders. The book lays flat on all pages, meaning no lost letters or features in the binding margin.On each regional map page are also information boxes that give brief data and flag pictures for all nations and territories. Inset maps of all major island nations and territories are also provided. Accompanying thematic maps show population density, land use, and weather averages for the regions. World maps with information on the economy, crops, mining, Internet connectivity, and many other topics are presented with text to explain their significance. U.S. maps are given more pages than the rest of the world, so students will find locating U.S. features relatively easy.The back matter of the atlas contains a useful gazetteer to locate features and places, a glossary of geographic terms as well as a glossary of non-English geographic terms used in the maps, and world city population tables. The atlas also contains several maps of the solar system that place the earth in the solar system and galaxy for a clear understanding of just where we live. One interesting map delineated the oceans and seas of the world, so students won't have to guess where the Andaman Sea or Bay of Fundy are located. Geographic comparison tables will also assist students in comparing the continents and the features of the planet easily. Altogether, a great package that should be high on the list of titles for school and public libraries that are seeking a solid atlas that won't break the budget this year. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
For more than 40 years, National Geographic atlases have set the standard against which all other atlases are measured. The National Geographic Family Reference Atlas of the World is no exception. At the heart of this spectacular volume are more than 450 four-color political, physical, and thematic maps, illustrations, and photographs that present the most complete, up-to-date portrait of our world. In addition, this authoritative reference will enlighten and empower readers with coverage of thematic topics—from space, climate, weather, and biodiversity to world religions, economies, and technological development—plus a wealth of statistical data and informational charts.
Whether it’s a location of a place somewhere on the globe or in our local galaxy group, an average daily high or low temperature in March in Santo Domingo, the hottest or coldest place on Earth, the population of Brunei, a metric conversion factor, learning about landforms, the biosphere, world energy, environmental stresses, the changing world population, continental drift, the ice age, gold and precious gemstones, or why and where we experience seasons, it’s all in this cutting-edge collection of maps and reference information.
Superbly designed and fully indexed for unmatched readability and ease-of-use, the National Geographic Family Reference Atlas of the World is a perfect centerpiece for every family library.
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