In this section:
'The State of the World Atlas is something else - an occasion of wit and an act of subversion...These are the bad dreams of the modern world, given color and shape and submitted to a grid that can be grasped instantaneously.' New York Times
This highly acclaimed survey of today’s world will be completely revised and updated for 2012. Over 100 full-color world maps and vivid graphics break down hardcore statistics into accessible, compelling form. And with those tested tools, this 9th edition will capture a world in flux – more democratic, more peaceful, but with the global balance of power shifting against the USA, with new security problems and the natural environment under threat.
Widely praised for its ingenious design and statistically meticulous presentation of trends, The State of the World Atlas graphically analyses every key indicator and vital statistic of modern life, from wealth and power, war and peace through to rights, health and the environment.
The 9th edition begins by telling us who we are – how old we grow, where we live, what we believe, how well we are educated. It then takes on the five big issues that will define our capacity to achieve a peaceful, prosperous future: Wealth and Power; War and Peace; Rights and Respect; the Health of People; and the Health of the Planet. If we can get these issues right, the rest will follow. Introductory essays to each section explain what’s been going on and what the challenges are. The maps present the data that let the readers make up their own minds about what they think and where to take their stand.
The thought-provoking introduction to the atlas sums up the global challenges and explains the science and the politics of both statistics and cartography. A world data table for country-by-country reference, completes the text.
For an accessible yet comprehensive survey of the world today, this classic atlas is unmatched – an essential resource and a fascinating reference book.
is Secretary General of International Alert and former Director of the International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO). In 2002 he was awarded an OBE. He is also author of The Atlas of War and Peace and The State of the Middle East. See: www.dansmithsblog.com
A super book that will not only sit on your shelf begging to be used, but will also be a good read. To call this book an atlas is like calling Calvados, applejack – it may be roughly accurate but it conveys nothing of the richness and flavour of the thing. Its inventive brilliance deserves enormous rewards.
Unique and uniquely beautiful...A single map here tells us more about the world today than a dozen abstracts or scholarly tomes.
A striking new approach to cartography...no-one wishing to keep a grip on the reality of the world should be without these books.
Outspoken cataloguing of global oppressions and inequities, painstakingly sourced.
Very lively and beautifully produced – one of the definite must-buys of books reviewed this year.
Packed with fascinating facts and figures on everything from the international drugs industry to climate change.
An indispensable survey of current events and social trends that makes understanding the vast array of data both possible and pleasurable. Buy this book!
