PRESS CONTACTS:

Gina Garza, Publicity Manager
Langenscheidt Publishing Group
718.784.0055 x 149
ggarza@langenscheidt.com

(NEW YORK, NEW YORK) April 21, 2008 - The Pope's gone high-tech.  Not only did Pope Benedict recently receive an iPod nano pre-loaded with special Vatican Radio programming from a group of Vatican Radio employees, but coverage of the Pope's visit was also available through cable providers On Demand.  While most would think the natural order of high-tech progression might be for GPS to guide the famous Pope-Mobile, it was the tried and true paper map that kept him safe and sound during his visit to New York City this past weekend.

Hagstrom, the number one map brand in the New York metropolitan area, was tapped by the New York Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service to provide maps for the specific use of planning the protection of Pope Benedict, while visiting the city for the first time.  The Pope's three-day visit to New York included an address at the United Nations, Sunday mass at Yankee Stadium, and an appearance at ground zero.

"Langenscheidt Publishing Group is the premier publisher of map, travel, and language brands, including the leading regional map brand Hagstrom," said Marc Jennings, President of Langenscheidt Publishing Group.  "We were delighted to be asked to assist the New York Field Office of the Secret Service, most especially because we are a New York-based map company.  Whether you are traveling for business, with family for summer vacation, or even guiding the Pope through the streets of New York, there is no better insurance than having a map readily available in your vehicle."

For nearly 100 years, Hagstrom has been providing customers with a full range of up-to-date, easy-to-read maps and road atlases.  All Hagstrom maps were recently updated with fresh covers and eye-catching designs to match the quality and accuracy of the maps inside, including the Hagstrom New York City 5 Borough Street Atlas ($16.95; ISBN: 9781592459094), which has sold millions of copies nationwide, and was included in the lead vehicle of the Pope's motorcade.  The Hagstrom 75-mile radius map from Columbus Circle, New York CityPocket Map ($4.95; ISBN: 9781592450107) was also used during the Papal visit to outline protection plans.  Hagstrom maps can be found anywhere books or maps are sold, or by going to the online store at www.hagstrommap.com.

Langenscheidt Publishing Group's complete catalog is comprised of over 3,000 titles—including the largest selection of travel and language learning products in the world. Berlitz Publishing provides an unparalleled selection of phrasebooks, travel dictionaries, and audio programs.  The maps and atlases with the American Map and Hammond World Atlas Corporation brands have long been a staple of students and road warriors in the U.S. and in recent years have introduced formats for new international and domestic map designs that elevated the industry to new levels.  Langenscheidt also owns several leading regional map and atlas brands including Hagstrom, the number one brand in the New York metropolitan area and ADC, the leader in the Mid-Atlantic. Most recently the exclusive North American distribution rights for Michelin Maps & Guides and hf ullmann, and the U.S. distribution rights for Mobil Travel Guides, were added to Langenscheidt's list of elite brands.  To learn more about Langenscheidt, please visit www.langenscheidt.com.

For more information or to schedule an interview please contact Gina Garza at 718.784.0055 x149 or ggarza@langenscheidt.com.