Short reviews: The Atlas of Britain and Northern Ireland, Bickmore D. P., Shaw M. A.

Summary

The Atlas of Britain and Northern Ireland, planned and directed by D. P. Bickmore and M. A. Shaw and published by Oxford University Press, comprises about 200 map pages that pictorially and geographically record the United Kingdom's resources. Primarily non-topographical, it presents a vast array of facts and statistics across diverse subjects, using ingenious and colorful maps to illustrate topics ranging from bacon factories to nuclear reactors. As the first national atlas of its kind for Great Britain, it involved over a decade of preparation with collaboration from scholars and experts, though some statistical data are five to nine years old. The maps are clearly executed, with highly praised legends, symbols, and color treatment, and the format is both elegant and practical, making it an unusual publication deserving of honor through use.