Pergamon World Atlas

Q: Are maps Raised Relief Maps or 3D printed?

No! Maps appear to be Raised Relief Maps or 3D printed due a technique that tries to give through lights and shadows relief to the ground (Shaded Relief). They are flat to touch and printed on paper

Q: Can I be able to read all the text on the map?

Text on the map can be difficult to read

Q: for several reasons. Technique used to create 3D effect can covering some of the text and also due font size. In particular it can be hard to read maps' legend with small print size

for several reasons. Technique used to create 3D effect can covering some of the text and also due font size. In particular it can be hard to read maps' legend with small print size

Q: it will be visible but a magnifying glass might be needed to read the legend text. So if you want to be able to read text we recommend to order a larger print to ensure a better readability

it will be visible but a magnifying glass might be needed to read the legend text. So if you want to be able to read text we recommend to order a larger print to ensure a better readability

Q: What is the intended use of these maps?

Maps are to be considered as piece of art and art decor and not as technical map. This means that the colors may vary significantly from the original and text may not be fully legible

Q: What are the standard shipment costs for my Country?

Standard shipment cost are free for all Countries

Q: What is the standard shipping times for my Country?

Standard delivery times are 3-8 business for UK. 5-10 business day for European countries and USA. 10-15 business day for the Rest of the World. If you want to be sure about delivery times for your address

Q: My country is not included in your delivery profile

If your Country is not included in our delivery profile

Q: please contact us to know if we can dispatch to your address and to get more information about shipment cost and delivery time

please contact us to know if we can dispatch to your address and to get more information about shipment cost and delivery time

Q: Are there custom duties to pay?

It is possible that there are customs duties to pay on orders that have to reach some European Countries. To be sure if your order is affected by custom duties

Apr 18, 2025

The Pergamon World Atlas stands as a remarkable achievement in 20th-century cartography, born from a collaboration between the Polish Army Topographical Service and the British publishing house Pergamon Press. Released in 1968, this English-language edition is based on the Polish Atlas Świata, developed between 1960 and 1968.

Military Origins and Global Aspirations

Initially conceived as a military project, the Atlas Świata evolved into a comprehensive civilian publication. Printed in a 40x32 cm format, it comprises 524 pages, including 382 pages of physical, political, and thematic maps. An extensive index of approximately 150,000 entries, a pronunciation guide, and a geographical glossary accompany the maps. A total of 242,000 copies were produced: 205,000 in Polish and 37,000 in English, the latter commissioned by Pergamon Press for international distribution .

Distinctive Features

The Pergamon World Atlas is notable for its exceptional cartographic quality and aesthetic appeal. Weighing nearly 5.5 kilograms and encompassing 48 square meters of maps, it offers over 400 thematic maps covering land use, agriculture, demographics, and transportation. Each country is presented with a dedicated information sheet and its national flag. The atlas employs a post and screw binding system, along with fold-out maps, facilitating ease of use and preserving the integrity of the central gutter.

Recognition and Subsequent Obscurity

Despite its significance, the atlas received limited international attention, with only two notable reviews: one in Geographical Magazine (1968) and another in The Canadian Cartographer (1969). Political events in Poland, including the severance of diplomatic ties with Israel in 1967 and internal unrest in 1968, contributed to its decline in prominence. Accusations against the editorial team regarding the depiction of Jerusalem further marred its reputation. Consequently, the atlas was largely neglected until the early 2000s, when it was reevaluated as a masterpiece of Polish cartography .