The Social Atlas of Europe - Hardcover

Dimitris Ballas is a senior lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Sheffield. Danny Dorling is professor of human geography at the University of Oxford. He is the author of many books, including Injustice and Bankrupt Britain, both also published by the Policy Press at the University of Bristol. Benjamin D. Hennig is a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. 

“Ballas, Dorling, and Hennig have collaborated to tell the ‘cartographic story of contemporary Europe, adopting a new visual approach to exploring European human geography and identity.’ . . . They present an astonishingly wide range of demographic data covering more than 175 topics using descriptive text, full-color maps, and some bar graphs. . . . This fascinating and original survey is definitely recommended for anyone, scholar or general reader, interested in the human geography of present-day Europe.” (Library Journal)

“Combines human geography and human cartography to shed light on contemporary Europe in an innovative way. . . . At the center of the study are cartograms: maps based not on land scale but founded instead on statistical and demographic data. . . . The maps are clearly the star here. The overall effect is of a series of vignettes that breaks down national stereotypes. Indeed, the authors indicate that they seek to promote a pan-European ideal, claiming that ‘old nationalisms can appear a little ridiculous when they are viewed dispassionately.’ The book also boasts any number of fascinating and surprising nuggets of information. . . . A striking visual map of a dynamic and rapidly evolving Europe. Highly recommended.” (J. Millhorn, Northern Illinois University Choice)

“By combining a human geography perspective with graphic representation, The Social Atlas of Europe sets out to explore European identity through the social realities experienced by Europeans. . . . This is truly a work of and for the decade. Content aside, it is a beautiful book whose glossy pages, and full-colour visualisations make it a pleasure to dip into time and time again. It should speak to social scientists from all disciplines and at all levels of study, but perhaps particularly to a new generation of students reared on visual information sources.” (Patricia Hogwood, University of Westminster LSE Review of Books)

CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Awards (Choice Magazine:)