Description:
Geographers, natural scientists, sociologists, environmentalists, explorers (both armchair and ambulant), and cartographers, take note: National Geographic has put out a desk reference, and it's a beaut. The mere heft of it (3.75 lbs.) is inspiring, and the contents more than live up to National Geographic's reputation for quality. It was written by five professors with Ph.D.s in geography and geology, natural sciences, and urban studies, and the text adheres to rigorous scholarly standards, nonetheless speaking to a broad audience. In other words, there's much to by gained by professionals, but it's accessible to those who routinely nodded off during high school earth science, too. The Desk Reference is organized into four parts. "What Is Geography?" takes a look at the history of geography and the history of maps and globes, forming Part I. Part II, "Physical Geography," delves into the structure, composition, formation, dimensions, and tilt of Planet Earth, followed by a lucid discussion of weather, climate patterns, geology, and bioregions. Next comes Part III, "Human Geography," which examines the population, migration, culture, politics, economy, and society throughout the world. And finally there is Part IV, "Places," with 216 pages devoted to summarizing the nations of the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, providing relevant statistics and notes on each country's economy, government, transportation, and communications. And these country sketches are followed by 11 superb maps, as well as a glossary. In a time of change that's affecting our climates and populations, environments and national borders, National Geographic's Desk Reference is a welcome source of information, analysis, and perspective. --Stephanie Gold
| 
