Rand McNally Goode's World Atlas 21st Edition [Hardcover]

J. Paul Goode (Author), Howard (Author), Ph.D. Veregin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0528853392 | ISBN-13: 978-0528853395 | Publication Date: June 30, 2006 | Edition: 21

The trusted and comprehensive Goode's World Atlas has been the standard in educational atlases for more than 75 years. The latest edition features fully updated content, with nearly 250 pages of maps. Features include: political maps of the continents, the U.S. and Canada; thematic maps that cover environments, world wildlife distribution, forests and many other subjects; 30,000 entry pronunciation guide and 109 page index.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 371 pages
• Publisher: Rand McNally & Company; 21 edition (June 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0528853392
• ISBN-13: 978-0528853395
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,156 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Education & Reference > Atlases & Maps > World
  • #52 in Books > Education & Reference > Atlases & Maps > Atlases

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Goode as They Get, April 7, 2005

By 

W. D ONEIL "Will O'Neil" (Falls Church, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rand McNally Goode's World Atlas 21st Edition (Hardcover)

When my father began work at the University of Michigan in 1932 toward a PhD in geography, he bought a copy of the then-new _Goode's_, the standard of geographers then as now. As the years went on he bought successive editions, giving me his old copies. I still have the first of these, a "revised and enlarged" edition of 1933.

I grew up with maps. I remain fascinated with them and use them (and create them) constantly in my work. That old _Goode's_ is one of dozens of atlases on my shelves, and one of eight editions of this title that I have owned. The newer editions of it are the atlases I refer to most frequently. When I need more detail I try the massive and wonderful _Times World Atlas_, or turn to various geographic software packages I own. But nine times in ten I quickly find what I need, clearly and attractively presented, in _Goode's_. When I must travel to do my work and can take only one atlas, it is _Goode's_.

Despite its compact and handy size, _Goode's_ does not compromise on coverage and detail. In fact, it is better on both counts than the great majority of "coffee-table" atlases. The key to this is that _Goode's_ is a just-the-fact atlas. There are no pictures, the text is brief and to the point. Fundamentally this is a map book. Color, shading, and standardized symbols are used effectively convey information. The density of presentation is chosen judiciously, packing as much information as possible in each map without making it necessary to squint through a magnifier. The gazetteer is excellent and comprehensive for an atlas of this size. Introductory material includes a nice introduction to cartography and map projections. There is a superb section of global thematic maps, analyzing many particular features of the physical and social landscape, and specialized thematic maps for each major region of the globe. This is an atlas with everything that is necessary and nothing that is not. No other atlas can come close for general utility, let alone value.

The only other atlas I have ever found that could compare in any way with _Goode's_ is the beautiful first edition of _The Oxford Atlas_, compiled in Britain after World War II when the economic conditions made skilled work astonishingly cheap. Unfortunately, the _Oxford_ has gone far downhill since then.

If you want a good desk atlas for reference, this is the one.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What more could you ask for on paper?, July 9, 2007

By 

Lawrence Slobodzian (Merriam, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rand McNally Goode's World Atlas 21st Edition (Hardcover)

The only resources I have found to be better than my Goode's World Atlas are electronic resources that are specialized (Nasa World Winds is my favorite). The maps and tables in Goode's are handy references for many different needs. The paper and ink make for a visually appealing image, and the size makes details easy to see. I have used this atlas for several university classes, many personal inquisitions, and I even use it to teach my children about the rock they live on.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good data but substandard maps, February 2, 2007

By 

John A. Tennant "American Expat" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rand McNally Goode's World Atlas 21st Edition (Hardcover)

I wanted an atlas that would help me place and better understand places I see in the news. Unfortunately, the maps in this atlas are not as detailed as I had hoped. On the other hand, there are a lot of data that help to make up for this. If you want good detailed maps, though, look elsewhere.