Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics
CHOICE Review
Three leading publishers here offer new atlases presenting new techniques, new information, and new maps of the explosive changes in Eastern Europe. The Rand McNally entry, Today's World, is slimmer and less expensive by half than the other two, but has a similar page size. A brief five-page introduction instructs readers in the use of the atlas, explains symbols used, and includes a map of the world's time zones, an explanatory list of map symbols, and index maps. The latter are very small and, particularly for Europe, difficult to read. There follow 69 maps in scales ranging from 1:1,000,000-1:12,000,000: Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, South America, and North America. They present a reasonably balanced world view, not overemphasizing North America and Europe, except generally to present these areas at a larger scale than those of the rest of the world. The maps are attractive and readable; national boundaries are pleasingly colored and the crisp lettering is easily legible in even the smallest type size. However, the shaded relief used gives only the barest hint of topography; although spot heights are given (in meters) the Himalayas and Andes seem less impressive than the Rockies and Appalachians. A 45,000-entry index locates places by an alphanumeric grid. This atlas's moderate price, up-to-date coverage of the contemporary European scene, and attractive layout recommend it for schools and other libraries not needing deeper coverage. The larger Hammond and Oxford atlases carry higher price tags but are comparable to Today's World in format, arrangement of maps, and scales used. All three have sewn bindings. Hammond claims to have "the most accurate maps ever created," as they are made directly from a digital data base. In 303 pages this atlas contains 13 dramatic (but gaudy) relief maps of the world and 98 maps, more than half of them double-spreads. Seventy maps, at varying scales, include the environs of 48 cities. Here too, maps of Europe and North America are at larger scales than other areas. Index maps, easily accessible on the inside frontend papers, are reasonably clear except for some confusing overlaps in Europe. The list of maps includes the scale of each, a very helpful feature. Introductory material (24p.) follows: a brief sketch on the evolution of cartography; two pages on map projections, stressing the Hammond Optimal Conformal projection created from the digital data base; instructions for using the atlas and explanations of the symbols; a new and handy Quick Reference Guide; and eight thematic world maps. One of the publisher's boasts that all maps can be seen in their upright position, obviating the need to turn the atlas creates its own drawbacks, as few countries can be seen whole at one glance. It takes three maps to cover Argentina and Chile, for example, Germany can be found on five separate maps at two different scales, and maps of few US states are complete on one page. The use of shaded relief on a light tan background is, in this case, more effective than in the Rand McNally atlas except in some very mountainous regions where the deep shading nearly obscures place names. Cultural features such as national parks, national forests, and Indian reservations, are indicated by color. The numerous place-names on the maps are reflected in a 115,000-entry index. The Oxford atlas is divided into six sections: five pages on world statistics; a 46-page Introduction to World Geography; 66 city maps on 32 plates; a 15-page index to the city maps; 94 maps on 160 pages; and a 75,000-entry index. Like Hammond, the index maps are on the front endpapers and elicit the same criticism. Several features in this atlas are noteworthy. The list of maps includes a diagram of each area covered as well as its scale; the lengthy Introduction includes 20 thematic maps; and the city maps, all at the same scale (1:200,000) are detailed enough to be useful. Not surprisingly, this atlas has a slightly Eur
Booklist Review
Librarians who have been waiting for a reasonably priced atlas that includes all the recent changes in countries and boundaries around the world should order a copy of this large-format volume and keep their fingers crossed that no more changes will occur for a while. In this atlas, readers will find the united Germany, divided Soviet Union, and volatile former Yugoslavia, clearly shown with borders marked in bright colors. Special markings are provided for boundaries that are disputed and for those that are indefinite or undefined. Maps appear in a continental sequence, beginning with Europe. Following the map of the entire continent, a series of more detailed maps show geographic subareas of the continent in sequence as pages are turned. Maps are clearly marked with topographic, political, and natural features (e.g., cities, roads, rivers, mountain ranges, deserts) as well as latitude and longitude. Size and style of print vary to show the political importance of cities and capitals. Alternate names of cities are given when appropriate (Moskva, Moscow), as are historical names (Volgograd, Stalingrad). The atlas includes a map of the world, a time-zone map, and maps of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The scale for each map is given, as are bars for measuring distances in both miles and kilometers. Instructions on using the atlas are clear, succinct, and well illustrated. The index, containing 69,000 names, is easy to use; each entry includes the name, the nature of the feature (peninsula, state, etc.), country, map reference key, and page number. Today's World does an admirable job of portraying the countries of the world with current boundaries. Purchase of the book includes a "Rand McNally Guarantee" for a free, updated, world wall map should the maps in the atlas become outdated because of world changes before December 31, 1993. This atlas is appropriate for public, school, and academic libraries and for users from middle through graduate school. (Reviewed Feb. 1, 1993)
