Historical Atlas of the United States (Hardcover)

~ Derek Hayes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hayes, the writer/compiler of the America Discovered and Historical Atlas of the Arctic, presents a fine mix of research, design and craftsmanship in this collection of maps "from 1492 to 9/11." This is history "in comprehensive form from the unique geographic perspective allowed by the study of original maps," and a perfect holiday gift treat for the map, travel or history buff. The volume is packed with maps and dense with text. Beginning with "the First Peoples" maps, the book covers a wide swath of U.S. history, including the early settlement at Jamestown; an "improved" Pennsylvania (improved by the arrival of European settlers, that is); a map of the "shot hear round the world" in Colonial Concord; a slave's map to the Underground Railroad; a bird's eye view of Manhattan just after the Brooklyn Bridge went into service; and strategic maps from American military campaigns in Europe, Vietnam and Iraq. The text, though not as fascinating as the cartography, does a more than adequate job of explaining the role maps played in America's history. As a bonus for those who want to peer in depth (or who simply find the volume a tad overwhelming), each map is available online for a closer, cleaner peek. Photos.
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Review

"A beautifully executed achievement that raises the standard for historical atlases." - Bloomsbury Review "Destined to become a regional classic." - Seattle Times"

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (October 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520250362
• ISBN-13: 978-0520250369
• Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 1.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,291 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A map lover's dream, January 11, 2007

By	William J. Warren (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL REFERENCE BOOK, February 24, 2007

By	Nancy J. Dickison (Mt. Vernon, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great View of America's History, January 29, 2007

By	Lee A. Balcom (Astoria, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.