An atlas is a collection of maps; it is typically a map of Earth or a region of Earth, but there are atlases of the other planets (and their satellites) in the solar system. Atlases have traditionally been bound into book form, but today many atlases are in multimedia formats. In addition to presenting geographic features and political boundaries, many atlases often feature geopolitical, social, religious and economic statistics.
In works of art, this Atlas is represented as carrying the heavens or the Celestial Sphere, on his shoulders. The earliest such depiction is the Farnese Atlas, now housed at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Napoli in Naples, Italy. This figure is frequently found on the cover or title-pages of atlases. This is particularly true of atlases published by Dutch publishers during the second half of the seventeenth century. The image became associated with Dutch merchants, and a statue of this figure adorns the front of the World Trade Center in Amsterdam.
Now, in its stunning Ninth Edition, the critically acclaimed National Geographic Atlas of the World reports and examines up-to-the-minute geopolitical and environmental changes through detailed, accurate maps and beautiful, engaging design that are its hallmark. This cartographic masterwork brings to light the most important and relevant topics that grip our planet today. New maps cover regions of volatile civil strife, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. World thematic spreads reveal freshwater scarcity, global warming, world economies, energy resources and consumption, and other critical trends. Dramatic ocean floor maps show more features and detail than any other atlas. Dynamic graphics and compelling visual stories cover the vital developments of our world in the reliable, authoritative, and innovative style that has made National Geographic a leader in the category.
Hardcover with slipcase424 pages; 300 maps, 250 illustrations, 50 color photographs12 1/16 x 18 1/4 Free gift: The National Geographic 9th Edition Atlas of the World also comes with two free frameable map prints This premium map is a two-piece, antique-styled map of the Western and Eastern Hemispheres, reflecting current political boundaries. The two sheets can be mounted separately or together in one frame. Dimensions for each sheet are 11 1/2 W x 14 5/8 H.l© 2010
