Why Greenland Is An Island, Australia Is Not-And Japan Is Up for Grabs: A Simple Primer For Becoming A Geographical Know-It-All - Softcover

This slim volume of pleasant reading, aimed at a popular audience, is intended to assist the adult who had poor or no geography classes in high school. It points out the importance of knowing the basics about any area one visits on business, easing the reader in by beginning with political geography (e.g., the former USSR) and then moving into physical and regional geography. There are some mistakes along the way (e.g., defining topographical maps as one kind of map and physical/relief maps as another; USGS is not mentioned in a list of map sources), and we can only hope that any foreigners reading about their country have a good sense of humor. Also, an index would have been helpful. The work closes with quizzes. Recommended for public libraries.
- Mary L. Larsgaard, Univ. of California-Santa Barbara Map & Imagery Lab Lib.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Joyce Davis' treatment is rather superficial when compared with the witty Don't Know Much about Geography (1992), in which Kenneth C. Davis explored the evolution of modern geography. Joyce Davis is more concerned with helping people remember basic facts, such as state and national capitals or the features of Central America. She includes a map-reading lesson as well as tips on how to personalize your geographical knowledge--that is, learn the facts that will help you most at work or social occasions. After reading this, you'll be ready for a trip to Jeopardy, or almost anywhere. Denise Perry Donavin