Atlas of the World, 12th Edition

By Keith Lye and Oxford University Press

Book Overview

Eleven years ago, the first edition of Oxford's Atlas of the World was met with praise for the incredible beauty and accuracy of its maps as well as for its wealth of geographic data, and each successive edition only collects more accolades. The New York Times Book Review called it a "veritable encyclopedia of geographic and demographic information, profusely illustrated with multicolored maps and graphs," and the Baltimore Sun exclaimed that the newest edition was nothing less than "a magnificently produced example of quality publishing." Replete with 67 maps of cities worldwide, the 12th edition charts the key urban centers of each continent from Athens, Greece (including its new airport) to Wellington, New Zealand. As in past editions, the Atlas has been completely updated to reflect the changing world around us. Refined name forms in Malaysia and South Africa, the addition of a new state in Indonesia, extra name detail in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans and dozens of other improvements make this the most reliable atlas on the market. The unique Gazetteer of Countries adds a yet another quick reference tool to a book already teeming with useful information. Several new features further enhance the 12th edition. Interstate and state highways are now shown throughout North America, putting the overall precision and clarity of the book well ahead of the competition. A Glossary of Geographical Terms will be an enormous asset to those unfamiliar with foreign terminology while the colorful Introduction to World Geography--redesigned and beautifully illustrated with tables and graphs--provides informative summaries of topics as diverse as climate, global warming, plate tectonics, international conflicts, agriculture, trade, and population. What's more, detailed explanatory captions accompany the section of full-page satellite images that Library Journal called "stunning." Offering the finest global coverage available, the Atlas of the World sets the standard in atlas quality, living up to its reputation as an "indispensable reference," granted by NBC's Weekend Today Show.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195221478
• ISBN13: 9780195221473
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Incorporated
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 8.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 15.0" x 1.5" x 11.5"

Customer Reviews

Great for a 5th grade geography report

This is a VERY low level Atlas with just the very basics about different countries and what they produce. There is no info on religion, or type of government, just a few facts here and there about the country. I would not buy it if my child was older than 5th grade.

Wonderful

The last good atlas I bought was a Readers Digest atlas in 1963. I loved it! The maps were excellent and the index was good. I've looked for newer atlases since then, but never found any I like. I prefer basic atlases with good maps! The Oxford Atlas of the World is just as good as my old favorite one. The maps are supurb and it has an extensive index. That's all I ask for in an atlas, but it also has other features. It doesn't have extensive US maps but I didn't need that as I have a very good road atlas of US. If you just want to look up places this one is excellent.

THE GOLD STANDARD

In choosing a world atlas for my family, I looked at all that were available: from Oxford, National Geographic, Rand McNally, Hammond, DK, and other publishers. This new edition of the OxfordAtlas of the World is clearly the gold standard. Just published, it is of course the most up-to-date atlas available. More importantly, it is accurate and detailed, exquisitely produced (a joy to look at)and very readable. Unlike other atlases, for example, the maps do not run into the gutters. The introductory section containing informational maps and data (country population, income, products,languages, etc.) and stunning satellite photos is virtually a book in itself and worth the price of admission. And for all that one gets, the price is more than reasonable. This is more than a reference book--it's a good read. I highly recommend it.

NOTHING BEATS THE VALUE

I just purchased Oxford's atlas and I'm amazed. It's half the price of comparable atlases and delivers everything my family needs. Clear, easy-to-read, and attractive. The city and satellite maps are also spectacular. Street names, major points of interest, train and subway stations, hospitals and police stations, you name it. I photocopied San Francisco for an upcoming trip. The reviewer who doesn't like the atlas is right--the colors are wonderful. But he's wrong about why they are there. It's not just eye candy. They allow for instant recognition of geographic features and altitude. I highly recommend buying this atlas. For the price there's nothing better.

(Oxford) Atlas of the World

In choosing a world atlas for my family, I looked at all that were available: from Oxford, National Geographic, Rand McNally, Hammond, DK, and other publishers. This new edition of the Oxford Atlas of the World is clearly the gold standard. Just published, it is of course the most up-to-date atlas available. More importantly, it is accurate and detailed, exquisitely produced (a joy to look at) and very readable. Unlike other atlases, for example, the maps do not run into the gutters. The introductory section containing informational maps and data (country population, income, products, languages, etc.) and stunning satellite photos is virtually a book in itself and worth the price of admission. And for all that one gets, the price is more than reasonable. This is more than a reference book--it's a good read. I highly recommend it.