Atlas of Madagascar

Short Notices: Atlas de Madagascar

Urbain-Faublée, M. · 1972

This paper presents a critical review of the *Atlas of Madagascar*, a detailed geographical work organized into seven thematic sections: physical geography, human and rural geography, resources and industrial activities, transportation and communications, diverse infrastructure, and regional synthesis. The reviewer examined a specific copy that contained 62 plates and 106 pages of commentary. By cross-referencing with the master list of plates, it was discovered that seven plates—including the fifth plate on public secondary and higher education—and some accompanying comments were missing. The atlas is acknowledged for its overall meticulous compilation and its significant utility for researchers, planners, and anyone with an interest in Madagascar. Nevertheless, the review notes an overly optimistic tone in certain sections, which may affect the objectivity of the information presented. The review concludes by expressing a strong hope for the imminent publication of a fully complete second edition, which would rectify the omissions and possibly moderate the excessively positive assessments. The review is authored by M. Urbain-Faublée.