THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S ATLAS OF THE WORLD

This atlas is but a small step forward from the principal-ports geography of earlier efforts, yet still supplies nuts-and-bolts coverage. Richards sets the stage with a cosmological/geological backdrop—his attempt at explaining the origin of the solar system is ludicrously brisk, although the foray into plate tectonics is more gratifying—then proceeds to the distribution of great waterways, mountain ranges, forest systems, grasslands, and deserts. Next are maps of political and physiographic boundaries, sadly lacking in color and verve, but conveying a sense of place through the iconographic artwork, national flags, and textual highlights. Richards wraps up the book with an abbreviated gazetteer—population, acreage, principal exports—that has little impact. The bare-bones approach won't inspire researchers; there is plenty of information in these pages, but it has not been knit into an effective whole. (maps, diagrams, charts, index) (Nonfiction. 8- 10)