The Best Textbook I Own
7/9/2007
This text is my favorite textbook that I have ever owned, in any subject, from four colleges and universities. It is a tall book--it doesn't fit on any shelf. However, the size allows for many more graphs, maps, tables, and pictures. The paper and colors make for a visually appealing text, and the text does an excellent job of highlighting key terms and concepts.
Professor de Blij is a recognized expert on Geography education in the U.S. and his textbook demonstrates his mastery on every page. He covers physical geography, climate, history, politics, anthropology, economics, and every other relevant subject in the region. The entire package is correlated well, without getting mired in details or glossing over important subjects.
There are many features in this text that you will not find anywhere else. My favorites are the drill-downs on the world's great cities, providing interesting information and a map of Mexico City, Saigon, and many others. Another feature is the "Regional Issue" textbox that presents both sides of a current issue for a region, such as "Who Needs Democracy?" for South America. A final feature I like is his "Field Notes" section that is a paragraph or so of his travelogue and a picture as he continues to research our changing world.
This text was a valuable resource in my Geography class, is still a great reference tool as I continue my international studies, and is a fun book to flip through during "down time".
Good product, came quite late though
2/13/2008
The book is what I expected but it did take a while to arrive at my home.