Although slender, this volume packs vital statistics and interpretive insights on disparities involving global wealth, education, and sociopolitical conditions. The World Bank's Development Data Group, led by Shaida Badiee (World Development Indicators), judiciously prefaces the study with a variegated definition of poverty. Charts, graphs, and color maps elucidate in detail global population trends, educational opportunities, and political engagement. Although it will become dated as global resources grow and diminish, this volume offers a powerful representation of the world as it is now, a provisional developmental mission, and an enduring definition of poverty. Highly recommended. [Intended to build on and replace the existing print edition of World Bank Atlas .�Ed.]�Savannah Schroll Guz, formerly with Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, DC

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