A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand
New Zealand · · 1960
Related Reviews & Articles
Mirror for New Zealanders: A Descriptive Atlas Reviewed
The Editors · 1960
This review assesses A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand, published in 1959 after more than two decades of preparation, against the stated ambitions of a national atlas and comparable overseas works. The author examines the atlas's organization—colored maps, text, halftone illustrations, and gazetteer—and evaluates cartographic design, thematic content, and editorial decisions. While praising the printing, binding, and several maps, especially the physical and pre-European vegetation maps, the review argues that the atlas falls short of being a true national atlas. Major defects include inconsistent scales and layouts, misleading or outdated maps, incomplete national coverage, overgeneralized land-use and manufacturing maps, undated statistical maps, and an unclear intended audience. The text is criticized for uneven quality, condensed landscape descriptions, and typographical errors. The illustrations are excellent but selective and some are outdated. The review concludes that although the atlas is well produced and useful for households, schools, and overseas gifts, it cannot satisfy academic or reference users. To achieve genuine national atlas status, the work would need fundamental recasting: loose-leaf publication for revision, comprehensive coverage of New Zealand life and economy, and a clearer, more elevated purpose. The review thus serves as both a critique of this publication and a set of principles for future national atlas projects.
Ein Regionalatlas von Neuseeland
E. Reiner · 1960
This article reviews the national atlas of New Zealand, published in 1959 and edited by A. H. McLintock. The atlas is structured into a text section and a map section, aiming to provide the latest geographical and statistical information about the country. The text covers 27 chapters, ranging from Maori settlement, geology, and climate to economy and population, and is noted for its balanced and concise treatment. The map section includes topographical, thematic, and population maps, complemented by high-quality aerial photographs that enhance the understanding of the terrain. The reviewer praises the atlas for its cartographic aesthetics and comprehensive information synthesis, while also pointing out certain shortcomings in map projections, color usage, and binding design. Overall, the atlas is regarded as one of the finest geographical works on New Zealand at the time.
Reviews of Books: A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand
Unknown · 1960
This review examines the Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand, published in 1959 after delays and as a replacement for a projected historical atlas. It sold out rapidly. The atlas comprises 48 map pages and 88 text pages, systematically covering physical and human geography, with excellent aerial photographs. However, topographic map spreads suffer from binding breaks, some maps are overcrowded or outdated, and a factual error appears in a caption. Although lacking synthesis, it offers remarkable value, and its success may prompt reconsideration of an historical atlas.
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