Drawing on federal and state statistics since 1790, this atlas will help students, researchers, and general readers understand how historical forces are mapped onto the state's terrain, and how the distribution of natural resources intersects with markets and other means of distribution. The atlas is copiously illustrated with b&w maps, tables, and charts showing everything from geological deposits that have fed the state's industries, to historical settlement patterns and modern day demographics. Each map is accompanied by a brief explanatory essay. Maps and facing text are grouped in sections on geography, history, counties, transportation, natural resources and extractive industries, education, population, and legislative, judicial, and congressional districts. Appendices list the state's past and present governors and senators. Riddel is professor emeritus of Marshall University. He has written other books on West Virginia. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)