New Zealand新西兰

The Editors

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 Major defects include inconsistent scales and layouts, misleading or outdated maps, incomplete national coverage, overgeneralized land-use and manufacturing maps, undated statistical maps, and an unclear intended audience.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 The illustrations are excellent but selective and some are outdated.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.

E. Reiner

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.

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.

E. M. J. Campbell

This review appraises the 'Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand' (1959), an official publication combining extensive text, photographs, full-colour maps, and a gazetteer. It covers the country's history, government, physical environment, natural resources, and population. Particularly valuable are fourteen thematic maps (1:3,200,000) showing geology, soils, vegetation, population, land use, and manufacturing. The reviewer praises the atlas's high standard and its usefulness for statesmen, businessmen, students, and teachers. However, it criticizes the climate maps for lacking scales and the Island Territories maps for inconsistent style. The review concludes by recommending a true 'National Atlas' for planners.

Stanistaw Leszczycki

The article reviews two national atlases. The first, the Atlas of the Armenian Republic, is praised for its logical structure and rich coverage of Armenian history, territory, and cultural heritage, though its economic-geographic section has flaws; it is recommended as a model national atlas. The second, the Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand (1960), combines maps, explanatory text, and aerial photographs; its historical sections and climatic maps are distinctive. The reviewer concludes that while the atlas is visually appealing and informative, it introduces little innovation in cartographic methods and shows weak influence from modern world cartography.