National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World [Hardcover]

National Geographic (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1426203322 | ISBN-13: 978-1426203329 | Publication Date: November 4, 2008

Representing an exciting new approach in our renowned line of atlases, this large-format reference blends two National Geographic "bests" to create a refreshingly vivid world portrait. Incorporated in the many up-to-the moment regional maps that portray each continent are hundreds of brilliant photographs—each depicting unique natural and cultural treasures that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the Kasbah of Algiers, from prehistoric rock art to the statue of Liberty, these incomparable locales are under UN protection for future generations to know and enjoy.

Thematic maps enhance the global coverage, detailing trends and characteristics of today’s critical issues: natural resources, energy, population, religion, economy and trade, conflict, climate change. The latest political boundaries and country names are incorporated, as well as vital information on the oceans, space, national flags, and more. Engaging layouts, functional design, and a new comprehensive place-name index allow the reader to easily navigate around the globe to discover or confirm more than 50,000 locations. The supreme accuracy and practicality of the maps, charts, and country facts and tables—as well as the inspirational collection of more than 600 photographs, satellite images, and illustrations—make the National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World a must-have reference for families, travelers, students, and scholars.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* A major publisher of geographic sources has produced an atlas with a twist. It has the usual atlas features but emphasizes the more than 850 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 1987 National Geographic published Our World’s Heritage, describing the sites at that time. They now celebrate in more detail “the great cultural, natural and human diversity of the planet.” In appearance, the atlas is reminiscent of DK atlases. Double-page spreads of regional maps are framed with four to six color photographs of the heritage sites that are indicated on the map. Introductory topical material is standard—climate and climate change, weather, languages, economy, food, conflict, biodiversity, etc., illustrated with maps, bar graphs, tables, pie charts, and time lines. This section ends with heritage sites indicated on a world map and also listed by country. The main map section begins with North America and ends with Australia and Oceania. Each continent has physical and political maps and a two-page spread of thematic maps showing energy consumption, population density, economy, climate, water availability, and natural events. Perhaps because of the relative number of heritage sites, there are more regional maps for Africa, South America, and Europe than for North America. There is a two-page spread devoted to Greece and the Aegean, ringed with small topical maps, text, and color photographs of six heritage sites, including Meteora and Mount Athos. Every atlas has unique features, and this atlas has the most detailed maps of the Islands of Oceania this reviewer has ever seen in a world atlas. There are four pages of individual maps of these islands—Chuuk, Tarawa, Palau, Manihiki, etc.; a total of 53 maps. Place-names, roads, and physical features are indicated. Another interesting feature is the large map of the world that indicates the limits of oceans and seas, with an alphabetical list keyed to their location on the map. There is also a fascinating section on space, with maps of the moon and Mars showing where satellites have landed. Atlases are yet to be replaced by online sources. Yes, you can find a map of Yap on Wikipedia and search Google Earth to see your mother-in law’s house. But beautiful color photography and clear topical material combined with detailed maps of areas not covered as well in other world atlases make the Visual Atlas a recommended purchase. This is a first choice for any library needing a new medium-priced atlas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (November 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426203322
• ISBN-13: 978-1426203329
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 1.5 x 17 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Education & Reference > Atlases & Maps > Atlases

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely magnificent, December 1, 2008

By 

Sven (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World (Hardcover)

This atlas is a wonderful reference tool (many thematic maps) as well as a very entertaining browse. The beautiful, colorful maps in combination with the accompanying photographs virtually transport you from your armchair into the far away land - more than a traditional atlas page does. And the 14-page section on Space is the best illustration of the solar system and the universe I've seen published. Great visualization!

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best World Atlas, February 27, 2009

By 

kafrmptn (Forked River, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World (Hardcover)

I work in a public library and finally found the atlas I want to own. This is a gorgeous book. There are multiple maps for a single area to enhance our understanding of what makes up the geography of our wonderful world.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's more to it than you can imagine.., September 23, 2010

By 

Maria Rivera-deleon "Fact_Finder" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World (Hardcover)

My family have been thinking to buy this book for quite sometime. We compared this side by side with other atlas books and It has better graphics, bigger pictures, more detailed information than other books available in the shelf. I love the solar space info. The planet pictures are in superb quality. Other books are ok but the decision was made when I saw the detailed information in each country not only it demographics but as well as its historical facts and heritage sites. Its like an encyclopedia all in one. Not boring to look at, its not just full of maps, graphs and globe records. Lots of beautiful pictures of wonders of the world. This is going to be a family heirloom, the book itself is already magnificent in appearance. I like the cover slide protection. So easy to use. Well worth the money even though it was not on sale when we bought it for $100.00 *sigh*