Nothing used to be more anomalous than an atlas, because it was neither a book nor a sheaf of maps declaring its independence of the text. This one integrates the two elements so well that it actually comes out a book. In format it was conditioned by the magazine pages where some of the material first appeared; since these were well laid out, this is all to the good. The text runs in either two or three columns, depending on the illustrations with which it must share the page, and on the balance desired for a two-page spread; it is simply set, and neither fades nor pops out in the presence of the pictures. These are designed and reproduced with clarity, and have agreeable color. Here’s an atlas that is as much fun as a picture book.

Peter Beilenson, Paul McPharlin, Ernst Reichl (Jurors)