Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 912
EAN: 9781426203329
Edition: illustrated edition
ISBN: 1426203322
Label: National Geographic
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: National Geographic
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 416
Publication Date: 2008-11-04
Publisher: National Geographic
Release Date: 2008-11-04
Studio: National Geographic

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.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Its ok. But not a serious atlas. Some major omissions.
Comment: For what it is, its an ok atlas. Most countries are presented in just enough detail to be barely passable. They are also taken out of context with the surrounding countries and presented in a "floating" manner surrounded by pictures of the country (that you could easily get yourself through a google images search).

The best part of the atlas is the first section, where all kinds of modern informaional maps (import, export, world conflicts, biodiversity, internet useage, etc) are presented. The rest of the atlas is like I described above.

If you want something superficial and pretty-ish to glance through, then get this atlas. If you want a more useable atlas, then skip the "visual" version and go with the plain National Geographic Atlas of the World or another brand.

The major ommissions? The USA is presented in so little detail that the map presented seems cartoonish. No state or region specific maps whatsoever. This seems to be a definite intentional sleight against the USA, as no other region in the world is treated this way in the atlas. For such a significant country, in an atlas geared toward distribution in the western market, such an omission is unforgivable to the point that the atlas should be discarded as too flawed to be useful. Whatever your onions about the USA, an Atlas should be, above all, useful.

Skip this atlas, unless its your second one, and get something better. Mine is going back.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Atlas
Comment: The pictures are fantastic. It has everything I wanted in an atlas. I highly recommend this product.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: the old one was better
Comment: It is the best atlas actually, buy it lacks a bit of details in the maps...the old one was much better.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: World Atlas
Comment: Oxford New Concise World Atlas: I received this book as a replacement for the National Geographic Visual Atlas of the World, which was huge and had too many photos for my needs. I appreciate that Amazon made the suggestion for a different book after I returned the Nat'l Geographic book with comments. The first book was beautiful but I practically needed a wheelbarrow to transport it. The smaller one is perfect and the maps are detailed and concise. I like the clear political borders and the topography. Also, there are photos in the front of the book (instead of around the maps, which made the maps smaller) and an excellent index in the back. Thanks, Amazon!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: National Geographic World Atlas
Comment: National Geographic does it again! The pictures and maps are of the highest quality and the atlas is a wonderful addition to our library. The only thing I could suggest that would make it better is to have individual maps of each state. Otherwise, it was a welcome Christmas gift for my husband.

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