Customer Reviews

Pocket World Atlas

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4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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This is an adequate pocket atlas, but I feel there are better ones out there. I studied Geography in college, and am an avid traveller; I feel this book isn't as good as Harper Collin's Pocket Atlas. For example, the Oceanic section of the Oxford edition doesn't compare, and is indeed very lacking in clarity and coverage. One way I can always differentiate a good atlas from a bad one are the details, and unfortunately, most atlas publishers consider the islands of the Pacific optional. Another "test" is to check for towns or places you have visited, and if the atlas contains them. One place I use is Bayreuth, Germany, I partly grew up there, but the population is less than 10,000. It is a very important town in music history, but is otherwise unremarkable; I don't purchase any atlas that doesn't list Bayreuth.

The more obscure places an atlas lists, the better it is. Of course, don't forget clarity, ease of use, size, and does it fit your needs? I am still shopping for the best pocket sized atlas, but until I find one, I would rather purchase Harper Collins over Oxford... who knows when you might be stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (and need an atlas)?

For such a small package, this atlas really packs a lot! Indeed a great value for such a small price. I bought it along with Oxford's Concise World Atlas and couldn't be more pleased with both.