Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Oxford Atlas of the World, 13th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. 1 vol. 448 p. $80.00. ISBN: 0-19-531321-6; ISBN-13: 978-0-19-531321-5.

Because this publisher provides an updated volume each year, students can be assured that the information found here will be current as well as authentic. The newly created borders of nations and the features of landscape such as the devastation of Katrina are shown. Divided into six sections: "World Statistics and Images of Earth," "Gazetteer of Nations," "World Geography," "City Maps," "World Maps," and "Geographical Glossary, Regions in the News, and Index," the color illustrations will appeal to everyone. Middle school students will especially enjoy the "Gazetteer of Nations" with the flag in color, and the map location with the area and population. For the larger countries, brief statements are given about the geography and politics and economy as well as the capital, government, ethnic groups, languages, religions, and currency. The new glossary will help students understand geographic terms. For those students who have been to see the film, Flags of Our Fathers, the new large-scale map of Iwo Jima will be of special interest. A great reference to bring the newest information to your school. Students should be encouraged to check any information found on the Internet against the facts given here.