How to choose an atlas

by Karen Walrond on

When my husband and I got married, we were also on the verge of moving from London to the United States. As a wedding present, a number of our friends chipped in and bought us a huge world atlas. It seemed like a somewhat strange gift at the time, but it’s surprising how much we’ve used our atlas, even in these times of Google Maps and other internet resources. There’s just something so nostalgic about pulling out the giant atlas, flipping over its huge papers and pouring over the maps, and inadvertently learning something new (the GDP of Singapore is $168.7 billion, who knew?). And nowadays, we often pull out the huge book to teach our daughter about the various countries of the world, as well.

If owning an atlas (or giving one as an unusual gift) sounds good to you, you’re in luck: Ben Keene, editor of Oxford University Press, has just posted his handy guide on how to pick an atlas. His tips include focusing on what you’ll be using your atlas for, determining whether an atlas is outdated or not (or a collector’s gem), and describes how an atlas’ index is much like a search engine. He even gives a compelling argument about why atlases are still relevant in a GPS world.

One for the Road: Our Dumb World – Onion’s Atlas

by Kelly Amabile on

I just finished listening to some short clips from the audio book version of the Onion’s new atlas of planet earth, aptly titled Our Dumb World. After a short introduction, it begins: “Here are audio clips from some of the countries that matter – France: One nation above God.” It goes on to share important facts about France that you really ought to know. For example, that the leading cause of death is turtle neck asphyxiation. It doesn’t get any nicer. While rattling off the facts about Bolivia, the narrator stops to blow a line of cocaine.

In true Onion style, the book prides itself on offering up incorrect statistics on all of the Earth’s independent nations. (They’re just not sure how many there are.) And they guarantee that once you finish listening to the audio book or reading the hardcover, you will, of course, be the smartest person in your dorm room, carpool or cell block. This is anything but your average atlas.

One for the Road: Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary Architecture

by Kelly Amabile on

The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary Architecture is one of the publisher’s bestselling titles, and has been around for awhile. The 800+ page book is an obvious coffee-table staple for design lovers — it features over 1,000 of the most outstanding works of architecture from all over the world that have been built since 1998. With over 5,000 color illustrations, the book covers structures that range from small churches to massive airports.

But it’s a beast of a book, which was why I was happy to recently discover the Travel Edition – a 440-page softcover version that is lighter than some guidebooks. Architecture fans who want to be in the know while on the go may choose to pick up a copy of this smaller companion. The same 1,000 structures are included, but with condensed content about each one. On the plus side, there are additional maps to assist with locating buildings. It seems to be an indispensable must-have for travelers with an eye for design.

One for the Road: Atlas, Schmatlas

by Kelly Amabile on

The world is pretty good. Yup. And so is this brand new silly book about the place we all call home. I came across this refreshingly different and humorous look at the world while browsing in a Melbourne bookshop the other day, and thought it a perfect title with which to re-launch One for the Road (which has been on hiatus while I was immersed in a temporary life downunder — more to come on that.)

But for now, dear readers, it’s back to the daily book suggestion here at Gadling, and I begin with this creative gem written and illustrated by Berlin-based Craig Robinson, an artist who does wacky things with maps and computer images, among other things. Atlas, Schmatlas is packaged as “A Superior Atlas of the World…with lots of exciting maps and illustrations.” That translates into a witty look at the world, complete with observations like “Kyrgyzstan is the world’s leading exporter of typos.” and “Uruguay’s capital Montevideo is soon to be re-named Montedvd to make it sound less eighties.” Robinson’s punchy sarcasm and signature pixel-style images combine to create a one-of-a-kind guide to the globe. If you’re looking for a clever, unique and alternative atlas to complete your collection, pick up a copy of this 128-page laugher.

World Atlas Rubik’s Cube

by Justin Glow on

I don’t think I’ve ever successfully solved a Rubik’s Cube without cheating, and with this world atlas version, I don’t think it’ll get much easier. For about USD $20, you can order your very own Rubik’s Cube atlas from this Japanese company. Just don’t un-solve the cube and get lost, or you might be forced to learn how to decode this little bugger before finding your way home. [via]