Essential Atlas of The World

The times may be a-changin', but unfortunately last year's atlas isn't. What's a weary world citizen to do when confronted with news reports of Kosovo and Kazakhstan? Shrug shoulders and give up in despair, or bravely face the accelerating rate of world change with an up-to-date reference book in hand? DK's Essential World Atlas fills this niche and goes much further, providing a clear, concise guide to the world we share in 250 small pages. Because it's brilliantly organized, one can easily find the location and physical, political, and demographic information for any major city, state, nation, or region. The illustrations are beautiful and informative, the index-gazetteer comprehensive and easy to use, and the at-a-glance guides to such world features as climate, population, and global conflict timely and important. Best of all for the info junkie on the go, DK includes map finders on the endpapers that can take you to the page you need in seconds. Accurate, lucid, and cheap, the Essential World Atlas is a millennial best buy. --Rob Lightner