----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Darius has a very good question. One that many of us are asked often, especially near Christmas and graduation! Without a doubt, the best world atlas for the money and attraction to young and older is -- Rand McNally's Goode's World Atlas. Hardcover sells for about $35 Canadian and softcover about $25. It has an excellent thematic world section, insets for major urban areas and good regional maps with quite a comprehensive index. If money were no object, the Times World Atlas is my personal favourite. Good luck making your decision, Darius. I look forward to seeing what others think about this query. Cheryl Woods Map Library University of Western Ontario London, Ontario [log in to unmask]