Maps and atlases: Atlas of the Czechoslovak Republic

Summary

Kuchař reviews the 1935 Atlas of the Czechoslovak Republic, issued by the Czech Academy of Sciences with Foreign Ministry support and published by Orbis in Prague. Its 55 map sheets have accompanying texts in Czech, French, German, or English. Work began in 1921 and took fifteen years; the Military Geographical Institute carried out printing over the final six years. Introductory maps and essays address the country's European position, history, and geography, followed by sections on natural conditions, population, agriculture, mining, metallurgy, industry, transport, trade, education, and physical training. A concluding essay by Professor Láska explains statistical methods he advocated. Kuchař considers the atlas successful in showing relationships between geographical and economic phenomena, while noting that its data differ in comparability and date. Most cover the preceding decade, with some reliance on the 1921 census. The newest usable material was processed down to the smallest administrative and areal units, allowing generalization to follow the phenomena represented rather than limitations of the statistics. He describes extensive discussion and compromises during compilation, praises the atlas as the best geographical portrayal of Czechoslovakia, and expects improvements in a future edition. He also regards it as a lasting national document for presentation abroad.