Atlas of the Medieval World
Grade 9 Up–This work goes considerably beyond a typical atlas in scope. Political topics predominate in the two- or four-page topical spreads, but economic, social, and cultural subjects are also examined. The volume ranges from Iceland and Greenland to Southeast Asia, concentrating on Europe. Highly detailed maps are abundant; time lines, quotations, tables, color photos of artifacts and buildings, and building plans and other diagrams are also included, along with a significant amount of text. For the most part, the elements of each spread are independent of one another, and the detailed maps and time lines include many more locations and events than those mentioned in the text. Often, multiple time periods are covered in one map, with colors and a variety of cross-hatchings and bold lines describing the realities of each era. Although routes of invasion and campaigns occasionally appear, there are no maps or mention of individual battles. A few inconsistencies in spelling were noted. Readers with some background knowledge are most likely to profit from this volume. Others may be left to wonder, for example, what the significance of the Jain temples and monasteries are on maps of India covering 750-1250 C.E. The volume concludes with a limited glossary and an extensive bibliography. Angus Konstam'sAtlas of Medieval Europe(Checkmark, 2000; o.p.) comes close to the level of detail found in the Oxford and surpasses its coverage of military matters, but is limited to Europe.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.