West Point Atlas of American Wars

[Mike Powell]

I'm going to break down and finally acquire a set but I could use some advice.

Looks like the first edition dates to 1959 and was in two volumes:

1 1689 - 1900

2 1900 - 1953

This edition was republished at least in 1979 apparently.

Then in 1995 Henry Holt publishes a revised volume 1, still 1689 - 1900. This is followed, again from Holt, in 1997 volume 2, but now covering 1900 - 1918. This latter volume, based on what I can glean from reviews on Amazon includes far more on the First World War than just campaigns involving American troops.

Post 1997 there appear to be other editions; exclusively on the Civil War, World War II, Modern War, etc.

I'm about 90% certain I want the 1959 2-volume set but here are my questions:

Is the revised 1995 volume 1 1689 - 1900 clearly an improvement over the 1959 edition?

Does the 1997 volume 2 1900 - 1918 contain significantly more or better maps on WW I than those in the 1959 volume 2 1900 - 1953?

Was there a continuation of the revised editions from Holt that covered 1918 - 1953?

Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.

[quincannon]

Mike: I have the two volume set and I have not looked at it in years, and was usually disappointed when I did.

If you are interested in the ACW the "Official Records" map sets have been published.

I regret I spent the money I did on it.

I just don't know what to tell you on this. I have a passing interest in the ACW. My real interest lies in the first year of WWII and the Bulge, and of course Korea. I go to the official histories of both USMC and USA, supplemented by the naval charts in Morrison for most of my map questions, and like I said have not consulted the Atlas in twenty or more years.

I will say thought that the maps are clean and well done. Mostly they do not show the detail I desire.

[Mike Powell]

Thanks for the input. I think I'll go ahead and spring for the 2-volume first edition. Decent offerings seem to be around $40. I'm currently interested in the American Revolution and the Korean War to a lesser extent. Given that range I think the first edition will fill the bill, especially since I need the maps principally to supplement and clarify accounts from other books.

[quincannon]

For 40 bucks get it.