Customer Reviews

The Atlas of North American Exploration: From the Norse Voyages to the Race to the Pole

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This atlas serves a real need for any serious student of North American history. The alternative is to chase down many sources that have individualized map information for individual explorers.

In some cases, however, the colors are difficult to actually discern. There is so many route information, with so many colors that are similar, that it is difficult to distinguish one route from another.

Also, a stated map scale of both miles and kilometers for each map would be helpful.

Otherwise great! -- in my opinion.

Why is the atlas no longer in print, at least at present?

Are the authors planning a revised copy?

I'd like the authors to know about this, and receive a big pat on the back from this old history student and high school history teacher.

Les Falk, Kelowna, BC, Canada

In creating this book of maps, the authors have not merely stepped on one of my pet peeves. They have kicked it, stomped it, gouged it, whipped it, and beaten it with a stick. My pet peeve is maps that have no mileage scale. I see it all too often in newspapers and magazines. Maybe ignorant reporters and editors can be excused. But how can these scholars give us an entire book of maps without a single mileage scale? Besides knowing the routes of the explorers, we want to know how far was their journey from one point to another.

I would like to know why mileage scales were omitted. Did the editor think people would use the maps for navigation and sue the publisher for any errors? If this omission was just an accidental oversight, then it should have been corrected before the book was published. Please explain.

But, that said, this is a beautiful and interesting book. Most of the maps are a full page, and each map is accompanied by a page summarizing the accomplishments of each journey and its importance. Also, many of the maps are accompanied by a contemporary drawing, painting, litho, etc. that illustrates the journey. Students of early North American explorations will enjoy this book. If the authors will revise it and add mileage scales to the maps, then I'll raise my rating to a 5.

This is an excellent reference tool for any student of American history, As the title states, the atlas includes all of North America. The book is especially good in detailing the early exploration of the southwest. There are also extensive sections on the early exploration of Canada.

The format of the book is well thought out. Detailed maps are accompanied by a generous amount of text that explain and augment the maps. The maps are fairly detailed and have a wealth of information. The maps do a very good job of showing the major and minor river systems that figured in the history of North American exploration. It is this kind of detail that makes this book very helpful.

Not only is the book a good stand alone reference, it is also a good supplement to have near at hand when you are reading the journals or history of early explorers. I have found that many editions of the early journals of explorers (and many history books about this subject) do not contain enough maps (or detailed enough maps). This book helps you keep the geographical picture straight in you mind.

If you have an interest in this history of exploration, this book is a must. If you are a student of American history, this book is highly recommended. Enjoy!

This book is a history of exploration of the North American continent, revealed mainly in pictures and maps of the particular exploration. It starts with John Cabot's exploration off the coast of Newfoundland in 1497, and ends with Peary's race to the North Pole in 1909. Scores of important exploring ventures are described and mapped. An added feature is a very thorough bibliography. A feast for the eye--and mind.