Atlas of Exploration

By Oxford University Press

Book Overview

From the ancient Polynesians who struck out across the vast Pacific in dug-out canoes with only the stars to guide them, to the Victorian missionaries and adventurers who opened the way for European colonial expansion, and the intrepid scientists of our own time, explorers have long tested their courage in an uncharted world.

The Atlas of Exploration, now in an updated Second Edition, is a splendidly illustrated and authoritative history of these bold adventures. With a vivid and informative text, supported by nearly 100 specially drawn maps and 300 photographs and illustrations, it traces these journeys of discovery from the earliest recorded trips, ranging from the time of the Phoenicians' voyages in the North Atlantic through the launch of the first Pluto explorer. We follow Cortes in Mexico, La Salle on the Mississippi, Darwin in the Galapagos Islands, James Cook in the Antarctic, and many others. In each section, graphic relief maps highlight the main routes of exploration, while photographs, paintings and engravings brilliantly capture the variety of terrain through which these courageous men and women passed. Also included are maps from different historical periods which reveal cartographers' growing knowledge of the shape of the world's continents and oceans. The final section of the atlas, thoroughly updated and expanded, covers many of the discoveries of the last decade. The Second Edition also contains new biographical details on many great explorers, geographers, and cartographers, plus a revised time chart which summarizes the history of exploration over 5000 years.

From the High Andes to the ocean depths, from the Sahara desert to the outer planets, The Atlas of Exploration allows us to rediscover the extraordinary journeys of humanity. Opening its pages is taking the first step on a grand adventure.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195343182
• ISBN13: 9780195343182
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 3.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.2" x 12.2"

Customer Reviews

Oxford Atlas of ExplorationThis hiostorical atlas is superbly done

This historical atlas is superbly executed: typical of Oxford publications. The content is comprehensive and extends from pre-biblical times up to the space age. It's loaded with maps and photos which are beautiful to behold and elucidate the well written text. My only criticism is that the color choices for lines marking the routes of explorers or expeditions need to be reevaluated. On many of the maps showing multiple routes the colored lines are often difcicult to distinguish from one another. For example, in some cases two slightly different shades of red are used that are difficult to differentiate. On some maps the colored line (especially yellows or greens) is too similar to the map background to clearly discern.

Atlas of Exploration

Everything that was promoted about this book was true: the excellent maps, photographs, drawings, diagrams, works of art. The text is easy to follow and covers regions, nations, and individuals. We learn what was accomplished and how and why. The book covers material from ancient times to the very modern. The information is well edited and includes a timeline of exploration, biographies, and index. This book is a great addition to any library.