Reviews of Books: A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand

Summary

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 However, topographic map spreads suffer from binding breaks, some maps are overcrowded or outdated, and a factual error appears in a caption.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.