Post-War Atlases: A Review

This article reviews nine major atlases published after World War I, examining their role in reflecting the evolution of geographical understanding. The author notes that the war and the peace conference demonstrated to the public that geography is not merely about location but also encompasses elements such as relief and economic conditions. The review highlights the innovative use of layer tinting for relief representation in The Times Atlas, as well as the emphasis on economic geography in the Grande Atlante Geografico and Westermann's atlas. Each atlas is assessed for its distinctive features, including scale selection, contour drawing, index systems, and physical design, with comparisons of map accuracy and utility for specific regions like Europe, Africa, and Asia. The article also discusses differences in arrangement and physical makeup, such as separate index volumes and the impracticality of transparent indexing frames. Finally, recommendations are made for library acquisitions, with The Times Atlas as the top choice, alternatives like the Daily Telegraph atlas for budget constraints, and advice to retain older atlases for their permanent geographical value. Overall, the article aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of post-war atlases, emphasizing the broadening scope of geography and offering guidance for diverse user needs.