Short description
A world atlas which features physical maps of countries around the world, accompanied by information on the formation of the solar system and Earth, weather systems, climates, and vegetation, as well as a large fold-out geographical world map. Suitable for National Curriculum Key Stages 2-3.
Long description
Making use of existing map artwork this atla s concentrates on the countries of the world and the physica l aspects of geography. Contents include the formation of th e solar system and the earth and different types of weather systems. '
Review
This atlas is but a small step forward from the principal-ports geography of earlier efforts, yet still supplies nuts-and-bolts coverage. Richards sets the stage with a cosmological/geological backdrop - his attempt at explaining the origin of the solar system is ludicrously brisk, although the foray into plate tectonics is more gratifying - then proceeds to the distribution of great waterways, mountain ranges, forest systems, grasslands, and deserts. Next are maps of political and physiographic boundaries, sadly lacking in color and verve, but conveying a sense of place through the iconographic artwork, national flags, and textual highlights. Richards wraps up the book with an abbreviated gazetteer - population, acreage, principal exports - that has little impact. The bare-bones approach won't inspire researchers; there is plenty of information in these pages, but it has not been knit into an effective whole. (Kirkus Reviews)