The Illustrated World Atlas

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University and an avid outdoor recreationist. She is also the
author of The Mountain Is Moving: Japanese Women’s Lives, Kurlek, and
Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Hom

This highly visual and user-friendly atlas divides the world into 15
separate regions: Canada; the United States; Central America; Mexico;
the Caribbean; South America; Northern Europe; East, West and South
Europe; Russia and neighbors; South West, Southern, and South East Asia;
China and neighbors; Japan; Australia/Oceania; Africa; and the
Arctic/Antarctica. Most regions include several countries.

The atlas is well organized, beginning with a user’s guide and ending
with an index. Place names are followed by page numbers and alphabetical
grid references. Data files provide essential facts and figures,
including population and land area of the region, while introductory
pages cover such topics as “Our planet in space.”

A generous selection of color photographs and illustrations brings to
life the different climates and cultures. Section headings for Africa,
for example, include Vineyards, Herding Livestock, Traditional Farming,
Market Day, Handcrafts, Rich in Minerals, and Sugar Factory. Small maps
show major regions and cities only.

For senior public school students and junior high-schoolers, The
Illustrated World Atlas offers an unintimidating introduction to a
complicated genre. Highly recommended.