Bücherbesprechungen. Geographischstatistischer Atlas von Polen

Summary

This review examines Eugen von Romer's Geographisch-statistischer Atlas von Polen (1916–1917), a comprehensive cartographic work compiled with contributions from many specialists. The atlas primarily illustrates Poland's national, social, and economic conditions before World War I, with only brief treatment of physical geography. The reviewer critically notes that the atlas defines Poland far beyond historical Congress Poland, encompassing vast neighboring territories, thereby reflecting expansionist political aspirations that could intensify territorial demands. The maps use consistent scales (1:5 million for main maps, 1:15 million for insets) and innovative methods such as isolines to depict population density. While acknowledging the atlas's technical and methodological merits for comparative geographic study, the review cautions readers against its tendentious textual explanations.