Customer Reviews

Historical Atlas of the United States: With Original Maps

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Several things will strike you about this book. The cover's bird's-eye view of Boston in full color is a precursor of things to come. Next, the book measures 13-3/4 by 10-1/4 inches and weighs over four pounds. Every map and every page is printed in gorgeous color. The layout is superb, and most important, the historical information the author gives on these important maps is accurate and well researched.
How can such a magnificent book be published at this price? By having it printed by C&C Offset Printing Co. in China. Incredible.
The author begins, "The story of America's past has been told in many different ways, but never before in any comprehensive form from the unique geographical perspective allowed by the study of original maps." The author embarks on a broad journey covering more than 500 years from conception to colonization and on to the Cold War - from 1492 to 9/11, if you will.
The 535 maps illustrated include almost all of the significant maps which form the rich context of our country's history. Those of us who have been clamoring for history teachers to use maps to encourage students now have a powerful ally in this book. It belongs in every school library in the United States. We know students today concentrate on the visual, not the written word. Here are double page visuals that leap off the printed page to show our changing country. Beautiful bird's-eye views and maps printed large enough so the text explanations can be read with the naked eye.
At this price hopefully you'll want to send a copy to your kids or grandkids. If they're not impressed I'd be surprised and you don't have to tell them how little it cost. A great investment for bringing that generation into the map world.
Bill Warren, Past President, California Map Society

I purchased this book as an aid in understanding the geography of the United States at different periods in history, and it has fulfilled my expectations perfectly. I am writing a biography and this has filled in my lack of knowledge of how people moved from one area to another in the past, when territories became states, the building of the first railroads, who the first nations were who settled the eastern seaboard, and many other details pertinent to my research.

This is a outstanding book displaying our history through excellent hand drawn maps of America. Many maps presented in this book are from European mapmakers which adds to the "discovery" aspect you will find very interesting; you probably have never seen any of these maps before. There are sometimes four or five colorful maps on each page; the size of this book enables you to easily study the maps as well as provides plenty of room for commentary by Mr. Hayes. This is a quality large book that you will enjoy over several cups of coffee! A great addition to your collection.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in US history, geography and maps. The narrative along with an amazing collection of maps from the time of Columbus up to the 21st century tell the story of the United States in a whole new way. Once you open this book, you will have a hard time putting it down!

We it for my father who is a big History buff. He liked it a lot.

Purchased this book to gain an appreciation of the US before visiting from Australia next year. Absolutely fascinating - how many folks know New York was once known as New Amsterdam ?. Delightful and easy to read. Fairly general in it's treatment of history but the maps tell the story of early exploration, failures and finally establishing permanent European presence. Picks up all the significant historical events until the last decade or so and certainly offers the reader an understanding of the how events shaped the nation and its people. For example,I never really new much about the differences between the North and South, and who and what they stood for.The Gettysburg address holds more significance for me now, as does Dukes of Hazard with the Confederate flag painted on the side of the General Lee... has a whole new meaning.... Haven't finished reading and the only downside is I need to keep referring to a modern map of the US as I am yet to learn where most places are. Quality of pictures, print and bindings are all terrific.

Fast shipping - couldn't find in bookstore, so was excited to be able to find it here for my son-in-law