Book Reviews: The Rise and Fall of the National Atlas in the Twentieth Century

Summary

In *The Rise and Fall of the National Atlas in the Twentieth Century*, John Rennie Short chronicles the global phenomenon of national atlas publishing, beginning with Finland's pioneering effort in 1899 and followed by over 70 countries. Through close reading of atlases from 40+ nations, Short examines them as coproductions of science and state, highlighting how governments used maps to define borders and assert sovereignty amid “cartographic anxiety.” The author traces the atlas's evolution from topographical surveys to include environmental and social data, peaking in influence between 1960 and 1980 before declining with thematic atlases and digital geotechnologies. Despite this, Short argues the national atlas's legacy endures. Richly illustrated and insightful, the book offers a vital contribution to cartographic and political history scholarship.