The Times Comprehensive Atlas Of The World

The book we all lust after, but can never justify the cost is now at a third of its original price.

Geographical information published by Bartholomew has a long history, beginning in 1797, when George Bartholomew apprenticed as an engraver in Edinburgh, Scotland. His son John Bartholomew was also an apprentice in the same business and established his own company in 1826. For more than 175 years, Bartholomew has beenat the pinnacle for producing quality maps and atlases. Until 2008, when the fifth John Bartholomew died, there was always a Bartholomew as cartographic director of the company (which becamepart of HarperCollins in 1989). It was this John Bartholomew who began publishing the classic Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World in 1967.The twelfth edition of the atlas first appeared in 2007andwas reprintedin the U.S. in 2008, with some changes. The accuracy and authority of the previous editions continues in the twelfth. Statistics for the new edition include 125 plates, each on a two-plate spread with nothing lost in the gutter. There are 20,000 updates, 3,500 changes to place-names, and an index of more than 200,000 entries. The publisher has kept pace with thetimes.Maps are now completely digitized, and satellite technology is used in their preparation.To make decisions regarding boundaries, names, and geographical and environmental changes, the 50 cartographers use a database that is continually updated through a 24-hour-a-day news feed. The cartographers attempt to remain neutral;an example for this editionis the placement of East Sea in parentheses below Sea of Japan. (North Korea prefers East Sea.) The first section of the 2008 edition contains satellite images of all the continents followed by essays with numerous photographs, tables, and bar graphs illustrating the state of the solar system and the world. There is new information on biodiversity and climate change.As was the case in earlier editions, the map section begins with Oceania, followed by Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, Antarctica, and the oceans of the world. Many countries have more than one map. There are 12 of the U.S.;5 of the UK, China, and Australia; 4 of Italy and Brazil; and 3 of India. Atlases are frequently criticized for having fewer maps for India, China, and Pakistan, but as the Times editors point out, these countries will not release maps of certain areas. Interesting additions to this edition include the bridge from Shanghai to the deepwater port on Xiaoyang Shan Island;the railway from Golmud, China, to Lhasa, Tibet;and the abandoned cities of Bodie, California; Kolmanskop, Namibia; Plymouth, Montserrat;and Sewell, Chile. There are additions and corrections for information on Kosovo and Taiwan and a new map forAlaska and northwest Canada.A large bookmark with map symbols is auseful new feature. Discussion continues about the demise of atlases. There is a great temptation to use the Internet for geographical queries, and usually an answer may be found quickly and easily. But questions ofauthority and accuracy remain, questions that can be resolved bytaking the time to usethe Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World.It is a recommended source for any library or individual who can afford it.