Are you looking for a genuinely helpful Bible Atlas? Be sure to consider the Holman Bible Atlas byThomas Brisco and published by B & H Publishing as part of its Holman Reference titles. It has many strengths to make it one of the top two or three options out there. Its professed audience is “for the interested lay person and beginning level student of the Bible in colleges and seminaries.” It has succeeded for that audience as well as for we pastors.

Its maps are prolific, visually appealing, and timely. You truly get maps where you most need them. 132 maps cover the Biblical text well and places and events are well labelled too. Variety shows up as a few have a 3D view as well. You might find a detail or two to squabble over (like omitting Perea’s important presence in Christ’s ministry), but overall you will find accuracy in this volume. In the primary characteristic of an atlas, this volume gets an “A”.

The pictures materially add value to the text. The author’s experience in archaeology shows in his often showing us ruins of famous sites. I particularly enjoyed those. Charts that really summarize and teach are used to good effect too.

One of the best features of this atlas is the text explaining the geography and how it impacted the Bible story discussed. For example, in the section on the time of David there is a fascinating description of Jerusalem, how it grew, and how its topography affected how it grew. Mr. Brisco, and the many others who contributed, show considerable learning and put it to good use. It actually makes for good reading.

There is little to criticize here. You can question the chronology here or there, or wonder why if there is such a dandy map for the Eighth Century Prophets, why aren’t there other maps for the other prophets. Or you might wonder why there are no page numbers. Since the atlas is in chronological order, however, the loss is not great for Bible students.

This is a top-flight Bible Atlas. The most recent printing has a much improved cover too. You will not regret adding this volume to your study library.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

For a review of other Bible Atlases read here.