Reviews: The Atlas of Britain and Northern Ireland

The review surveys The Atlas of Britain and Northern Ireland (Clarendon Press, 1963), planned and directed by D. P. Bickmore and M. A. Shaw. It describes the progression from geology, climate, water, soils and vegetation to agriculture, fisheries, energy, industry, population, transport and trade. Geological block diagrams, statistical insets, detailed regional maps and large-scale reference maps support interpretation. The reviewer praises the atlas's imaginative production and clear presentation of extensive technical statistics, especially its account of the geographical basis of industry. He recommends its industrial maps to lecturers as a corrective to exaggerated claims about industrial location, observing that clothing, furniture and confectionery industries appear less consumer-located than commonly assumed. He regards the atlas as highly valuable for applied economics and regional studies, but its formidable price prevents an unqualified recommendation.