3. HISTORICAL ATLASES 



William R. Shepherd: Historical atlas (Seventh edition revised and enlarged. 

 New York 1929). This is an unpretentious school atlas, first published in 1911, 

 which I have been using profitably for many years. It is partly derived from the 

 atlas of Friedrich Wilhelm Putzger (1849- ), very popular in Germany (first 

 ed., Bielefeld 1878; 50th ed. 1931). 



There are many other atlases, many more detailed, but Shepherd's will answer 

 the average queries. The historian interested in a definite country or period should 

 consult the special atlases devoted to them. Indeed, each civilized country has 

 published its own atlases (geographical, historical, economic, etc.). If his needs 

 are very special, he should prepare his own maps and keep them within sight or 

 within immediate reach. 



Reginald Francis Treharne ( 1901- ) : Bibliography of historical atlases and 

 hand-maps for use in schools (24 p., Historical Association, London 1939); Hand- 

 list of historical wall-maps (72 p., Historical Association, London 1945), 



One should also consult plain geographical atlases for a better understanding 

 of the past; indeed, administrative boundaries have changed but geographical 

 realities have remained pretty much the same. There are many general atlases 

 covering the whole world and others covering only (or chiefly) definite countries. 

 The general atlases devote more attention to their own country of origin and its 

 dependencies than to the other countries. For the study of a French topic it is 

 naturally better to consult a French atlas, and so on. 



The maps and notices published in guide books such as Baedekers and Blue 

 Guides often contain information not available elsewhere. 



Historical students should never deal with any event without ascertaining as 

 exactly as possible its location in space and time. They should try to realize also 

 contemporary events and contiguous places. If they are not able to visit those 

 places, they should try to obtain as good a knowledge of them as possible by means 

 of maps, photographs and descriptions. 



