Atlas of the World

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Review

Gr 5 Up-Each atlas offers more than 60 colorful maps organized by region and showing elevation, population, major cities, and other political and geographical features. Occasional maps of individual countries are also included and frequent insets isolate and/or focus on specific areas. Compact Atlas also provides maps showing holdings and political boundaries worldwide, and time zones, as well as a useful "Country Factfile" that offers pertinent facts along with a picture of each nation's flag. The smaller formatted Essential Atlas has more specialized maps featuring ocean currents, climate, population, language, etc., and provides additional basic information in its "Continental Factfiles." Each book has an accurate index/gazetteer, making information readily accessible. While the maps in the first atlas are larger and easier to read, the second one has a number of useful features lacking in the former. Nonetheless, both of these attractive resources will be useful updates for circulating and reference collections.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.