Mirror for New Zealanders: A Descriptive Atlas Reviewed

Summary

This review assesses A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand, published in 1959 after more than two decades of preparation, against the stated ambitions of a national atlas and comparable overseas works. The author examines the atlas's organization—colored maps, text, halftone illustrations, and gazetteer—and evaluates cartographic design, thematic content, and editorial decisions. While praising the printing, binding, and several maps, especially the physical and pre-European vegetation maps, the review argues that the atlas falls short of being a true national atlas. Major defects include inconsistent scales and layouts, misleading or outdated maps, incomplete national coverage, overgeneralized land-use and manufacturing maps, undated statistical maps, and an unclear intended audience. The text is criticized for uneven quality, condensed landscape descriptions, and typographical errors. The illustrations are excellent but selective and some are outdated. The review concludes that although the atlas is well produced and useful for households, schools, and overseas gifts, it cannot satisfy academic or reference users. To achieve genuine national atlas status, the work would need fundamental recasting: loose-leaf publication for revision, comprehensive coverage of New Zealand life and economy, and a clearer, more elevated purpose. The review thus serves as both a critique of this publication and a set of principles for future national atlas projects.