The First Book Atlas is the first atlas created especially for the readers in the lower elementary grades.

Fifty maps of countries and continents with political boundaries, capitals, major cities, important rviers, seas and other features ... all done with relief shading, accurately highlight the varied surface of the earth. Hemisphere views assure "global" co-ordination.

Useful product and land-use maps together with informative data in both graphic and word form accompany the political maps. Attractive line drawings add a necessary light touch.

Over one third of the book is devoted to the United States. On 12 sectional maps, all at the same scale, appear our 50 states, supplemented by detailed plans of leading cities and National Parks. A special study of the Washington D. C. area demonstrates map scales.

A complete index of all place names shown on the map rounds out the volume to make it a necessary and attractive part of any person's library.

The general form was determined only after consultation with educators to select the best cartographic techniques. Each map and facing page of graphic materials was newly designed ... the work of Ernest J. Dupuy, map editor with the Hammond firm. The compilation of the individual maps in rough form was the task of several experienced cartographers using the latest source materials. As editor-in-chief, Martin A. Bacheller provided the necessary over-all direction.

The preparation of accurate inked drawings with hand-set type was the responsibility of a team of cartographic draftsmen under the supervision of Edmund V. Ballman and Andrew F. Kuber. The special relief shadings are the work of European-trained Ernst G. Hafmann. A system of checks and double checks preceded the final stages of photography and engraving onto printing plates. All during this long process revisions were continually made to keep pace with the fast-changing world.

From the book