New Publications: The Atlas of Britain and Northern Ireland

This review evaluates The Atlas of Britain and Northern Ireland (1963), emphasizing its scope, cartographic quality, and scholarly value. Using scales chiefly of 1:2,000,000 and 1:1,000,000, the atlas presents physical geography, industry, agriculture, fisheries, and population, supplemented by more detailed regional maps. Particularly notable plates depict coastal and submarine relief, geology, agricultural labor, population change, communications, shipping, and numerous specialized subjects. Collectively, these maps provide a comprehensive cartographic “profile of Britain.” Nevertheless, the density of information sometimes produces visual complexity, especially in industrial maps crowded with overlapping circles and pie symbols. Some color schemes may also disadvantage color-blind readers, while the binding appears substandard. Despite these limitations, the volume establishes an impressive cartographic standard and constitutes a valuable reference for geographical and regional research.