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Encyclopedia Of Hinduism (Encyclopedia of World Religions)

The Encyclopedia of World Religions series (J. Gordon Melton, series editor) turns its attention to Hinduism. The series, which will eventually include 6 of the world's major religions, complements more general resources, such as The HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion (1995), with a highly focused, contemporary approach. Packed into this trim volume are more than 600 A–Z entries with enough information for most users, without overwhelming anyone. For those wanting more, suggestions for further reading accompany almost every entry. The tone and diction of the writing are nontechnical and well-suited for the target audience of high school and up. As with most specialized works, some of the encyclopedia's major topics (for example, the Kama Sutra and Mahatma Gandhi) are also found in more general works. However, examples abound of lesser-known Hindu personalities and concepts that are not adequately covered elsewhere. For instance, approximately one-fourth of the volume's entries are biographical, covering more than 150 yogis, gurus, teachers, and saints. Many of these are late-twentieth-century figures who are not household names outside of the Hindu community. A significant portion of the volume's more than 70 black-and-white photographs accompany these biographical profiles. More than a dozen geographical treatments are highlighted through some of the work's longer entries. Most notable are the entries for Africa, Bali, Scandinavia, Trinidad, and the U.S. The encyclopedia functions, in part, as a glossary as well, defining many Hindu terms. Lesser-known concepts (e.g., Punya, or karmic merit) are explained in entries that are several sentences in length and include brief bibliographies. Intermixed with the people, places, and technical terms are entries for festivals, deities, organizations, key sites, locations, and more. Jainism and Sikhism, two religious traditions with roots in Hinduism, also receive attention with frequent references. The encyclopedia opens with a full but concise introduction to Hinduism, followed by an 11-page Hindu chronology that covers the most notable events in the 3,000 years of Hindu history. A thorough index provides the perfect finishing touch to this user-friendly encyclopedia, which is an ideal fit for large or small public and academic libraries. Osburn, Wade

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Encyclopedia Of Chemistry (Science Encyclopedia) by Don Rittner; RA Bailey


Synopsis:
With a structure that reflects the way chemistry is currently studied, the comprehensive Encyclopedia of Chemistry is the definitive reference to this vast subject area. Hundreds of chemistry-related entries, thought-provoking essays, leading discoveries, and biographies of notable More...chemists throughout history provide high school through early college students with the most complete information available. Addressing a subject whose understanding is crucial to all mature science students, Encyclopedia of Chemistry presents an engaging, interactive approach to learning. Additional material directs students to further pursue their studies on the Internet, including links to informative websites and summaries of chemistry-related resources. A special section listing all Nobel Prize winners in chemistry, a bibliography, and a references cited section complete this informative encyclopedia. Students and professionals alike will benefit from the extensive coverage and easy-to-use format of this resource. Entries include atomic mass unit (amu), binary fission, Boyle's law, cheletropic reaction, enzyme induction, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, g-factor, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Krebs' cycle, nuclear binding energy, photosynthesis, polymerase chain reaction, radiocarbon dating, inhibition, and thermonuclear energy.
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Besieged: An Encyclopedia of Great Sieges From Ancient Times To The Present

In a cycle repeated throughout history, people have congregated in walled cities for mutual protection, and then attackers, lured by the wealth behind the city walls, have laid siege. This fascinating volume examines the most important sieges in world history from the earliest times to the present.
Product Description
From Joshua's assault on Jericho in the 15th century B.C. to the Russian attack on the Chechen capital of Grozny at the end of the 20th century, siege warfare has been a recurring theme in the human story. Again and again, engineers have built supposedly impregnable fortifications, only to see them overrun by an ingenious enemy.

In Besieged, military historian Paul F. Davis analyzes the most crucial sieges in world history, such as the siege of Leningrad, which weakened the Nazi forces in World War II, and that of the Alamo, which culminated in independence for Texas. He also describes important sieges unfamiliar to most readers, such as that of Arcot, where a British halted the French takeover of southern India. In engaging, accessible language, Davis tracks the invention of new technologies, analyzes innovative tactics, and tells the human story of conditions both inside and outside the city walls.

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DK Illustrated Family Encyclopedia

Product Description
The comprehensive learning resource for the whole family.
More than 5,000 articles on topics today's children need to know about -- from human development to cloning and weather to global warming -- are illustrated with 10,000 photographs and 2,500 specially commissioned artworks in this comprehensive three-volume set. The whole family will find this easy-to-use, multi-functional reference work a powerful key to a lifetime of learning. Compiled, edited, and designed by an experienced team of authors, consultants, editors, and advisors, the DK Illustrated Family Encyclopedia brings the reference library into the 21st century.
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The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery: A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

The Encyclopedia of Surgery has been written by various experts in the field of surgery and has been written specifically for healthcare students and patients. The Encyclopedia covers 450 surgical procedures and topics such as laser surgery, hysterectomy, endoscopy, cryosurgery, anesthetics, biopsy, angioplasty, medications and postoperative care, and many related subjects. Each entry in the Encyclopedia of Surgery consists of a standardized format which includes the definition, purpose, diagnosis, aftercare, risks, mortality rates, and alternatives.
Three Volumes
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Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, 12 Volume Set

This completely new Third Edition of the Mark Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology brings the state-of-the-art to the twenty-first century, with coverage of nanotechnology, new imaging and analytical techniques, new methods of controlled polymer architecture, biomimetics, and more. Whereas earlier editions published one volume at a time, the third edition is being published in three parts of four volumes each. Each of these four-volume parts provides an A-Z selection of the latest in polymer science and technology as published in the updated online edition of the Mark Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology
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Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals

Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals Book Description
Animals have existed on Earth for many hundreds of millions of years. In that time they have evolved into a great variety of forms, exploiting nearly every habitat the planet has to offer. In the dark depths of the oceans, in the seemingly inhospitable Polar Regions, in the driest deserts, even within the bodies of other animals, there are animal species that have developed unique and extraordinary means of surviving and thriving. Extraordinary Animals is an exploration of those members of the animal kingdom who possess strange and bizarre adaptations that allow them to survive in the most extreme environments, or whose complex lives can only be said to be bewildering. From the tar-baby termite to the blue whale, from the harpy eagle to the naked mole rat, these species reflect the exceptionally broad spectrum of life, showing just how diverse the animal kingdom is. Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals has been thoroughly researched for scientific accuracy, but is accessibly written in everyday language. Some of the animals covered are: The Spoon Worm: A species of worm in which the female can grow up to 2 meters long, while the male is only a couple of millimeters long and lives most of its life within the female. Water bears: A small invertebrate that can dry out completely, with little sign of life, and in this state can survive drought, radiation, intense pressure, and the conditions within a vacuum. When water returns, they resume their normal shape and continue with their normal life. Sand Tiger Shark: Female sand tiger sharks have two wombs, and at the start of pregnancy both of these wombs contain several developing young. But in each womb, onedeveloping shark cannibalizes its brothers and sisters until it is the sole occupant of the womb. Each entry includes a description of the animal, an explanation of its odd behavior, other interesting scientific and trivial facts, and black and white illustrations. In addition, a fun and interactive "Go Look" section encourages readers to go look for the animals in the outside world.
Ross Piper has contributed to Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals as an author. ROSS PIPER has a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Leeds. He lives in Hertfordshire, UK.
Mike Shanahan has contributed to Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals as an illustrator. Shanahan has been involved in coaching for more than 25 years. He is a native of Oak Park, IL.
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Encyclopedia of Internet Technologies and Applications

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The Encyclopedia of Internet Technologies and Applications discusses the extraordinary importance of Internet technologies, with a particular focus on the Web. Discussing the architecture and service technologies of the World Wide Web, the Encyclopedia of Internet Technologies and Applications includes comprehensive research on Web services, Semantic Web, and Web-based e-activities, among others.
This reference tool is the single source for information on the world s greatest network, and provides a wealth of information for the average Internet consumer, as well as for an expert in the field of networking and Internet technologies. This comprehensive reference provides libraries with the most thorough examination of Internet technologies and applications an essential resource in supporting the information needs of researchers in a variety of related fields.
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Encyclopedia of Algorithms

About this encyclopedia
No comparable reference work on algorithms is currently available
Structured in an A-Z organization that allows easy, intuitive access for professionals and researchers interested in a particular aspect of algorithms
Includes targeted literature references that provide additional value to researchers looking to study a topic in more detail
The Encyclopedia of Algorithms provides a comprehensive set of solutions to important algorithmic problems for students and researchers, including high-impact solutions from the most recent decade.
A must-have for computer scientists, this encyclopedic reference has been edited by Ming Yang Kao, Editor-in-Chief of the top journal in the field, Algorithmica.
All of the entries have been written and peer-reviewed by experts in the field. Nearly 400 entries are organized alphabetically by problem, with subentries for distinct solutions.
Extensive cross-references support efficient, user-friendly searches for immediate access to useful information.
This defining reference is published both in print and online. The print publication includes an index of subjects and authors as well as a chronology for locating recent solutions. The online edition supplements this index with hyperlinks as well as including internal hyperlinks to related entries in the text, CrossRef citations, and links to additional significant research.
Open problems, links to downloadable code, experimental results, data sets, and illustrations are included.
Written for:
Computer scientists working in a wide range of areas such as Bioinformatics, Cryptography, Data Compression, Medical Informatics, Network and Communication Protocols, Artificial Intelligence, and Pattern Recognition; scholars, students, and professionals who work in fields such as mathematics, statistics, computational biology, economics, finance and stochastics, medical informatics, data mining, industrial engineering, and decision science
Keywords:
Algorithmica
Algorithms
All-pairs shortest paths
Approximating
Arithmetic Coding for Data Compression
Bin Packing
Communication Algorithms
Decoding
Dynamic Tree Problems
Factoring
Fully Dynamic Connectivity
Local Alignment
Maximum
Minimum
Optimal
Randomized
Stable
Weighted Caching
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Encyclopedia of American Race Riots [Two Volumes]: Greenwood Milestones in African American History

The two-volume Encyclopedia of American Race Riots is part of the Greenwood Milestones in African American History series. The two editors are from Ohio State University, and both have published and lectured in the area of African American studies. Eighty scholars contributed to the work. Although people tend to think of racial issues being more prevalent in the South, this work shows that race riots and incidents have occurred in all parts of the U.S. Arranged alphabetically, the more than 260 entries deal with key incidents, individuals, organizations, concepts, themes, events, and trends associated with race riots in America. Particular emphasis is on the twentieth century and on white-black relations; however, other racial and ethnic groups, such as Asians and Hispanics, are included. Although the focus is primarily on race riots, related issues, such as lynching, urban riots, and assassinations, are also included. Entries average in length from 500 to 1,000 words, but discussions of specific riots tend to be longer. Cross-references are indicated in boldface within the text, and there are see also references at the end of entries. Selected readings also appear at the end of each entry. A "Guide to Related Topics" groups entries under 22 headings (e.g., "Civil Rights Movement," "Responses to Racial Violence"). A "Chronology of American Race Riots and Racial Violence" covers 1863 through September 2005. An extensive bibliography leads the reader to further information, and a detailed index provides additional access to the information contained in the set. Twenty-three primary documents include excerpts of reports and eyewitness accounts of racial violence. An excellent foreword gives a historical perspective of American race rioting. A "Select Historiography of Race Riots" describes scholarship on this topic. Black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout the work. The set provides a more detailed look at race riots than resources on the broader topic of African American history. Written for both specialist and nonspecialist readers, it would be a good addition to academic and large public libraries. Talley, Kaye
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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Life on Earth: An Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution (2 vol. set)

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Life on Earth is intended to introduce "younger generations" to biological diversity, "the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to biogeographic regions, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it." The encyclopedia's activist perspective and conversational style will appeal to high-school and beginning college students, especially those writing position papers. Eldredge is curator of paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and a number of the 60 contributors are AMNH scientists. Most other contributors are associated with major universities and research institutions in the U.S.
Four introductory essays outline the definition, importance, and preservation of biodiversity. Many of the 194 articles are about specific phyla or species (Annelida--the segmented worm, Giant ground sloth, Lagomorpha) or important concepts (Botany, Human evolution, Meteo rology, Soil). Others address issues that will appeal to students and general readers (Ethics of conservation; Medicine, the benefits of biodiversity to; Tourism, ecotourism, and biodiversity). Essays and articles incorporate many tables with sources cited, line drawings, and unremarkable black-and-white photographs. Articles are clearly written, usually define specialized terms, and include bibliographies of books and popular and scholarly periodical articles. An index leads readers to topics mentioned within articles (e.g., deep ecology, ecofeminism, urban sprawl). Rachel Carson is listed in the index as Louise Carson.
The five-volume Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (Academic Press, 2001) set the standard for academic reference works on biodiversity. Life on Earth is an alternate choice for high-school or smaller college and public libraries that cannot afford Encyclopedia of Biodiversity or need a more accessible source. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
The showdown is upon us. On one side, three billion years of evolution, tens of millions of species, an extraordinarily complex and diverse ecosystem. On the other, over six billion people, nearly 600 million cars, an unprecedented human assault on the environment. The stakes could not be higher—for the Earth and for us.

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Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood: In History and Society A-Z 3 VOL Set

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Intended to provide "the interested reader with a necessary introduction to the wide range of issues that define the field" of children's history, the volumes of this encyclopedia draw on the expertise of more than 300 scholars from around the world for 445 articles arranged in alphabetical order. Among the contributors are authors of several important books written about the history of children over the past two decades, including Paula Petrick, who wrote Small Worlds: Children and Adolescents in America, 1850-1950 (Univ. of Kansas, 1992), and Joseph E. Illick, author of American Childhoods (Univ. of Pennsylvania, 2002).
Articles vary in length from 500 to 5,000 words and cover topics in such broad areas as history, social sciences, literature, medicine, and law as they relate to the history of childhood and children. Bicycles and tricycles; Cassatt, Mary; Charter schools; Child pornography; Halloween; Infant rulers; Islam; Lindbergh kidnapping; Montessori, Maria; Multiple births; Orphanages; Shyness; Teen drinking; Temple, Shirley; and Theories of play are examples of entries that demonstrate the set's range. The encyclopedia has discussions of literature that has been an important ingredient in the lives of Western children, such as the Bible, ABC books, fairy tales, Nancy Drew, Harry Potter, and comic books. Each entry ends with see also references and a bibliography. A wide variety of black-and-white illustrations, many of them significant representations of children in art, illustrate the text. Volume 3 contains an annotated collection of 50 primary sources identified as essential documents in the field, reproduced in whole or in part. A topical outline appears in volume 1, and volume 3 has an excellent comprehensive index.
Volumes in ABC-CLIO's the American Family series (Adolescence in America, Boyhood in America, Girlhood in America, Infancy in America [all 2001]) cover some of the same topics but are narrower in geographic scope. They are also more centered on the experience of children and youth rather than on childhood as an idea. The Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence (1997) is more concerned with child development. For its worldwide historical scope, Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood in History and Society is a recommended purchase for history collections as well as collections that focus on the study of children and children in families. It is also recommended in the broader sense as a great background tool for any public and academic library with patrons concerned with the study of topics relating to children. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Encyclopedia of Communication and Information

Published by Macmillan Reference, 2001
This encyclopedia is in three 8.5" by 11" volumes and runs to a total of 1161 pages including the lengthy index, plus a preferatory section. The book is printed in larger type.
Like most other Macmillan reference books, this is a useful and fairly comprehensive but less than heavyweight work intended for a wide audience of students and researchers. Communication Studies, Media Studies, and Information Studies are the domains covered by this interdisciplinary work. Twenty different academic disciplines and professions are mentioned in the preface as being related to the subject of the encyclopedia.
This encyclopedia has 280 entries in an alphabetical arrangement. The preface identifies eight categories into which these entries fall. They are:


Careers (e.g. journalist, librarian, publicist)
Information science (e.g. human-computer interaction, information storage and retrieval)
Information technologies (e.g. broadband, the Internet, radio)
Literacy (e.g. computer literacy, media literacy)
Institutional studies (e.g. elections, information society, law, media history)
Interpersonal communication (e.g. groups, relationships, rhetoric)
Library science (e.g. cataloging, text-based literacy)
Media effects (e.g. advertising, opinion formation)

For a better idea of what's covered, here is the full list of entries in the "M" sequence, which has more entries than most of the alphabetic sequences:

Machlup, Fritz
Magazine Industry
Magazine Industry, Careers in
Magazine Industry, History of
Magazine Industry, Production Process of
Management Information Systems
Marconi, Guglielmo
Marketing Research, Careers in
McLuhan, Herbert Marshall
Mead, George Herbert
Méliès, George
Mills, C. Wright
Minorities and the Media
Models of Communication
Mood Effects and Media Exposure
Moore, Anne Carroll
Morse, Samuel F. B.
Murrow, Edward R.
Museums
Music, Popular

Entries are typically a couple of pages in length. The writing is clear but not as in-depth as one might like.
It is interesting to see a reference book that brings together these disciplines (media and communication studies, information studies) in this way. My feeling is that it is such a broad domain covering so much knowledge that either a much bigger encyclopedia (in the range of ten volumes or more) or a more narrowly focused encyclopedia is really in order. The problem with this one is that it gives noticeably shallow coverage in attempting to serve people in a number of disciplines. In bringing this information together in place, though, it does make an interesting argument for a disciplinary grouping of knowledge.
This is an interesting reference book but not as useful as it ought to be on account of its relative lack of depth.

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Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements

Product Description
Funneling basic chemical, preclinical, and clinical data into a descriptive form useful to health care professionals, researchers, and educated, health-conscious consumers, Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements presents peer-reviewed, objective entries that rigorously examine the most significant scientific research. It presents evidence-based information on the major vitamin and mineral micronutrients, single herbs and botanicals, phytochemicals, and other bioactive preparations. Containing nearly 100 entries contributed by renowned subject-specific experts, the book serves as a scientific checkpoint for the many OTC supplements carried in today's nutritional products marketplace.

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Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs
From School Library Journal
Grade 8 UpAAlthough this is definitely an adult reference book, libraries with young dinosaur aficionados should prick up their ears. Topics are arranged alphabetically, with generous cross-referencing. The articles are written by experts; for instance, John Horner has penned an article that discusses his discoveries about dinosaur parental care. Besides chapters on individual dinosaurs, this book covers some intriguing territory, including topics such as "Diet," "Color," "Problems with the Fossil Record," and "Size and Scaling" (which explains how extinct dinosaurs are weighed). There are also articles about specific digs and sites. Most of the articles cite references. Small black-and-white illustrations and a few color plates expand on the text. What most recommends this densely written volume is that it brings readers straight to the facts, fresh from the scientists' mouths, instead of filtering the information through an intermediary writer.ACathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Here are two new encyclopedias for the more serious dinosaur enthusiast. Intended as a companion to the classic taxonomic reference, The Dinosauria (LJ 3/15/91), Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs emphasizes discoveries published in the scientific literature since 1990. In this context, the paucity of maps and illustrations seems a less serious omission. Written by well-known paleontologists and organized alphabetically by subject, the signed articles cover kinds of dinosaurs, biology, geology, research, and museums where dinosaurs are on display, including a worldwide list of museums and sites. There is some overlap with The Dinosauria in dinosaur descriptions, but this encyclopedia offers authoritative articles on many topics not covered in that work, such as "color," "intelligence," and "ornamentation." While the language may sometimes be too technical for the general reader, Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs provides a nice link between popular and scientific dinosaur studies. The author of The Complete Dinosaur Dictionary (Carol Pub., 1995), which was aimed at young adults, Glut now offers a far more detailed and technical work oriented toward dinosaur material in museum collections. Following 74 pages of background information, the encyclopedia is devoted to an alphabetical list of dinosaur genera. Each entry tells the date of discovery, name derivation, occurrence, age, and diagnosis; gives a list of key print references; and refers to important museum specimens that have furthered the study of dinosaur paleontology. The black-and-white illustrations are mainly photos of museum specimens and reconstructions, with a deliberate avoidance of fanciful interpretation. The emphasis on museum collections makes this a unique work. Both titles are recommended for academic and larger public libraries.?Amy Brunvand, Univ. of Utah Lib., Salt Lake City
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Encyclopedia of Hormones
Presents a comprehensive reference work on hormones in vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant systems. This work covers various aspects of hormones such as their chemical structure and biological synthesis, the major physiological systems in which they operate, the cellular and subcellular site of their action, and others. Top page Complete description
"The Encyclopedia of Hormones" is a comprehensive reference work on hormones in vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant systems. It covers all aspects of hormones such as: their chemical structure and biological synthesis; the major physiological systems in which they operate; the cellular and subcellular site of their action; the nature of the signal transduction mechanisms used in the hormone's action; and the biological consequences of an excess or deficiency of the hormone. Each contributor is an expert in his or her field and has been recruited by one of 14 Associate Editors. The 300 articles that comprise this encyclopedia are arranged alphabetically. Each entry begins with a glossary of key terms that are compiled into a complete glossary for the entire work. Additionally, each entry includes 10-15 recent references to provide the reader with an entry into the scientific literature. "The Encyclopedia of Hormones" is sure to be a valuable reference work for students and professional researchers interested in any aspect of the control of biological systems by hormonal signals. It is the only source available with such comprehensive descriptions of hormones, their receptors, and their mechanisms of action. It provides full coverage including vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant hormones. It includes the chemistry, synthesis, secretion, and biological actions of hormones. It provides thorough coverage of signal transduction mechanisms as they relate to hormones. It contains contributions from over 500 experts in the study of hormones and is written to be accessible to non-endocrinologis

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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
The tremendous growth in popularity of forensic science in popular culture via television shows like CSI and the fictional works of Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell has generated a corresponding growth in public interest in the topic. This book is made up of 15 essays describing the application of forensic science to real-life situations as well as 650 alphabetical entries, most including recommendations for further reading. Bell (chemistry, West Virginia Univ.)—who is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a Fellow of the American Board of Criminalistics and whose work has been published in such journals as The Journal of Forensic Sciences and Journal of Analytical Toxicology—writes in a style that is accessible to the general public, explaining some of the relevant broader concepts that underlie scientific work (e.g., the scientific method, hypothesis testing, and stipulation). Also profiled are relevant persons and institutions, including the FBI, the American Board of Criminalistics, Calvin Goddard, and Paul Kirk. Revised appendixes also provide sources for additional information ("Appendix I: Bibliographies and Web Resources") and common acronyms and abbreviations. An index provides additional access to topics covered in the encyclopedia, including main entries and illustrations. Black-and-white illustrations are included throughout the volume, and an insert features four leaves of color illustrations. BOTTOM LINE This resource fills the need for accessible, accurate information on a popular topic. It describes much of the reality of forensic work that is often glossed over in works of fiction. Recommended for public and academic undergraduate libraries as well as high school libraries. [Available electronically through Infobase Ebooks, the publisher's new ebook platform.]—Sarah Sutton, Texas A&M Univ. Lib., Corpus Christi
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
The popularity of books by Patricia Cornwell and television crime-solving shows like C.S.I. has brought forensic science to the forefront of popular culture. The Encyclopedia of Forensic Science seeks to narrow the gap between forensic fiction and the actual capabilities of forensic science by providing an overview to a very complex discipline.
With an emphasis on science, this volume covers such experiment and laboratory concepts as Control samples, Density, and Null hypothesis, along with laboratory equipment and various lab tests like chromatography and immunoassay. In addition to explaining the science of forensics, Bell, a research professor in forensic chemistry, reviews various disciplines related to forensic science, among them entomology, odontology, and psychology. Other entries cover professional organizations, government agencies, famous names in the field of forensics, evidence, and legal issues. There are also entries for cases such as the O. J. Simpson trial and the Lindbergh kidnapping. More than 600 topics related to forensic science are treated.
Descriptions vary in length from a sentence to four pages. Longer entries often have suggestions for further reading, usually one to three citations. There are illustrations and photographs throughout, as well as an eight-page color photograph insert. Numerous cross-references within entries provide a better understanding of the relationships among terms. In addition to the encyclopedia entries, Bell has also included 14 feature essays on such topics as "Myths of Forensic Science," "Careers in Forensic Science: A Reality Check," and "The 'Top Ten' Cases in Forensic Science."
This volume has substantially more entries than Encyclopedia of Forensic Science: A Compendium of Fact and Fiction (Oryx, 2002), though readers hoping for more case examples may prefer the latter. Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences (Academic, 2000) is a much more scientific treatment. With its clear language and brief entries, the current volume will provide readers with a nuts-and-bolts understanding of the real world of forensic science and is recommended for public and undergraduate libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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Encyclopedia of Earthquakes and Volcanoes


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Encyclopedia of Homeopathy - Dr Andrew Lockie


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Encyclopedia Of Haunted Places: Ghostly Locales From Around The World

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places is the first directory to be written by dozens of the world's leading paranormal investigators. Research notes, location background, first-hand accounts, and many anomalous photographs featuring ghostly manifestations comprise the hundreds of haunted listings in this directory. For years, paranormal investigative groups have been studying their local ghosts with scientific equipment as well as with more esoteric methods, such as psychics and séances. This directory is a repository of some of their most profound cases. From across the United States, Canada, and many spots around the globe, ghost investigators tell of their sometimes harrowing experiences, share their research, and give readers an overview of both well-known and obscure haunted locales. From private residences to inns and restaurants, battlefields to museums and libraries, graveyards to churches, The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places will offer supernatural tourists a guide to points of interest through the eyes of the ghost hunters. This reference also offers names, addresses, phone numbers, and Web addresses to each location covered. Feeling brave? You may just want to stop and visit some ghosts on your next trip. Jeff Belanger is a voracious fan of the unexplained. He's been studying and writing about the supernatural for regional and national publications since 1997. Belanger is the founder of Ghostvillage.com, the Internet's largest supernatural community, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. He's the author of: The World's Most Haunted Places: From the Secret Files of Ghostvillage.com (New Page Books 2004), and The Encyclopedia of Haunted Places (New Page Books 2005).
About the Author
Jeff Belanger has been studying and writing about the supernatural for regional and national publications since 1997. He's the founder of Ghostvillage.com, the largest supernatural community on the Web, and the author of more than 10 books, including The World's Most Haunted Places, Our Haunted Lives, and The Ghost Files. Belanger lectures throughout the United States and has appeared on more than 100 radio and television programs worldwide, including The History Channel, The Travel Channel, Living TV (UK), The Maury Show, The CBS News Early Show, National Public Radio, The BBC, Australian Radio Network, Coast to Coast AM, and The `X' Zone. He currently haunts Massachusetts with his wife, Megan, and daughter, Sophie. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Encyclopedia of Earth Science

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 10 Up–This encyclopedia will serve students well with articles on such topics as tsunamis, global positioning systems, the ozone hole and the greenhouse effect (with an exceptionally clear diagram), as well as more prosaic and specialized geological terms. However, global warming does not have a separate article, nor are there any references to it listed in the index. This is a major shortcoming for students, who may be disappointed that this topic is not described with the same rigorous treatment as the others. The language is definitely for advanced students; it's clear but it assumes some prior knowledge. The longer articles include recommendations for further reading but there is no other documentation. Nineteen feature essays cover topics of relatively popular interest, like sea level rise, "Earthquake Warning Systems," and plate tectonics. Technical terms are defined in short entries, but there is no separate glossary. Indexing and cross-references are accurate. High-quality, black-and-white diagrams appear throughout. This volume is for serious students who may need to follow through on cross-references to understand fully the scientific vocabulary.–Jonathan Betz-Zall, City University Library, Everett, WA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
This new encyclopedia from the Facts On File Science Library offers approximately 700 alphabetically arranged entries ranging from one paragraph to a few pages and covering earth science subdisciplines (hydrology, oceanography, and so on) as well as concepts, theories and hypotheses, places, events, geological time periods, history, technology, and key individuals. Many entries have further-reading lists and cross-references. There are hundreds of black-and-white photos, drawings, charts, and maps. The illustrations are generally clear and detailed. Nineteen feature essays are scattered throughout the text. Two appendixes follow the entries, one containing a periodic table of elements, the other displaying a geologic time scale and other information.
Earth science includes weather, so there are many entries for weather terms. One of the feature essays is on tsunamis, an eerily timely topic. Several entries discuss how scientists are getting better at predicting such natural disasters as earthquakes, flash floods, avalanches, and hurricanes.
There are a few things to quibble about, causing varying levels of frustration. One omission is an entry in the text and the index for the term bedrock, which appears in at least two entries (Groundwater and Soils) as well as in the illustrations that accompany them. A glossary of basic terms might have been a useful addition for the nonexpert reader. However, the strengths of this work far outweigh any weaknesses. On the whole, this is a solid introduction for most high-school, academic, and public libraries. Robin Hoelle
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Encyclopedia of Folktales and Fairy Tales

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Interest in folklore and fairy tales continues to grow, as evidenced by the number of new translations and anthologies being published every year. This scholarly compendium is a well-organized, well-documented introduction to the evolving field of folklore and fairy-tale studies. More than130 individuals representing various areas of expertise have contributed 670 entries that offer insights into assorted aspects of this complex genre. Signed articles are arranged in alphabetical order and run from a couple of paragraphs to several pages. The scope is multicultural and spans antiquity through modern day (including 2007 references). In the preface, editor Haase acknowledges the enormous number of possible subjects and identifies five priority inclusion criteria: representative global coverage, fundamental and essential importance, major developments in folk and fairy-tale scholarship since 1970, emerging trends in the production and reception of fairy tales, and critical but often neglected dimensions of this field. The helpful “Guide to Related Topics” sorts articles and provides some idea of the breadth and extent of coverage. Entries cover cultural, national, regional, and linguistic groups (African American tales,Japanese tales); more than 60 genres (Animal tale, Pantomime,Urban legend); critical terms, concepts, and approaches (Authenticity,Variant); motifs, themes, characters, and tale types (Dragon, Punishment and reward,Sleeping Beauty); media, performance, and other cultural terms (Advertising, Tourism); television, film, animation, and video (Fractured Fairy Tales, Shrek and Shrek II); and numerous individuals, including authors, collectors, illustrators, and others. Additionally, a number of articles address individual works. A list of entries and a detailed index provide additional access. Of particular note is the exhaustive “Bibliography and Resources“ section, a 64-page listing of print and online sources. Meticulously documented and firmly grounded in scholarly research, most articles feature straightforward language and sufficient background material to be accessible to lay readers and novice researchers. This unique and timely resource is highly recommended for large public and academic collections, especially those that support literature or teacher-preparation programs or serve individuals pursuing careers or active in creative endeavors. Also available as an e-book. --Kathleen McBroom

Review
“Occasionally, a reference work is so good that one wishes for more of it. Haase.has assembled a stellar cast of scholars to provide the first thorough English-language encyclopedia on folk and fairy tales....Nearly 700 signed, alphabetically arranged articles with bibliographies cover major approaches, important authors and scholars, and themes. Especially useful are the geographic essays. With no disciplinary limits, folklorists take their place alongside historians, sociologists, and literary critics. Similary, with no boundaries on media, the set includes motion picture adaptations as well as literary versions. It also covers children's literature. Haase's introduction provides a good summary of the current state of folktale research....Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers.”–Choice
“This unique three-volume set is an important addition to folklore and fairy-tale studies as it offers for the first time an encyclopedic introduction to the scholarship of this flourishing field. Global in geographical and cultural scope and covering a broad historical and disciplinary range, it features information about significant individuals and traditions from throughout the world, from antiquity to the present day....Additionally, an extensive bibliography with citations to relevant primary and secondary resources names anthologies, scholarly studies, journal publications, and selected web sites. Rounding out the text are a guide describing the classification systems used in the entries, a guide to related topics, and a helpful index. The set is further enhanced by an informative introduction and interesting illustrations throughout the volumes. Useful to general readers as well as to students and scholars in the literary and social science disciplines; highly recommended for public and academic libraries.”–Library Journal
“Three hefty volumes provide global and multicultural coverall, from antiquity to the present, of the burgeoning field of folktale and fairy-tale studies....A brief introduction highlights the reasons for and description of the increasing interest in folk and fairy tales around the globe....Each entry includes highlighted cross references as well as, when appropriate, a "see also" section plus suggestions for futher reading....The illustrations and photographs are black and white in this helpful resource for college libraries and special collections in large public libraries.”–VOYA
“The Greenwood Encyclopedia truly stands apart with its multicultural scope and its theoretical framework that challenges the received knowledge of the field. Each volume contains a table of contents for the entire work and begins with a complete list of the alphabetically arranged entries. Cross-references, "see also" notes, and an index provide deeper access....I recommend The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Folktales and Fairy Tales for academic and public libraries.”–Reference & User Services Quarterly
“Starred Review Interest in folklore and fairy tales continues to grow, as evidenced by the number of new translations and anthologies being published every year. This scholarly compendium is a well-organized, well-documented introduction to the evolving field of folklore and fairy-tale studies....Meticulously documented and firmly grounded in scholarly research, most articles feature straightforward language and sufficient background material to be accessible to lay readers and novice researchers. This unique and timely resource is highly recommended for large public and academic collections, especially those that support literature or teacher-preparation programs or serve individuals pursuing careers or active in creative endeavors.”–Booklist
“[T]hese three tomes contain a wide ranging scope to studies in folk and fairy tales. Covering tales from the entire globe and with a timefram from antiquity to the present, presenting information useful to a panoply of disciplines and including media telling's of the stories, and emphasizing the new ideas brought forth since 1970, the 670 entries point in any direction you may want to research....The books are well made for a long shelf life. What is most useful is that each of the entries has a further reading bibliography with complete citations, which makes it easy to move onto other titles without having the last volume in hand.”–ARBA Online
“[A]n excellent overview of a tremendously influential literary genre, which is recommended for both public and academic libraries.”–Lawrence Looks at Books
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Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science

Editorial Reviews
Review
"Most of the topics in this encyclopedia will remain important for years to come. Many of the topics here are germane to geography such as the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem, spatial autocorrelation, mental maps, and scale. For these reasons as well as for its sheer readability and usefulness, I believe that this book will serve as a practical reference for geography and GIS educators, practitioners, and university students long into the future. It's not a reference for taking up space on the shelf, but one for the top of the desk, to be referred to often."
-ESRI
(By Dr. Joseph J. Kerski, ESRI Education Manager ESRI )
Product Description
The Encyclopedia of Geographic Information Science covers the essence of this exciting, new, and expanding field in an easily understood but richly detailed style. In addition to contributions from some of the best recognized scholars in GIScience, this volume contains contributions from experts in GIS’ supporting disciplines who explore how their disciplinary perspectives are expanded within the context of GIScience-what changes when consideration of location is added, what complexities in analytical procedures are added when we consider objects in 2, 3 or even 4 dimensions, what can we gain by visualizing our analytical results on a map or 3D display?

fareedquraishi

Encyclopedia of Barbarian Europe: Society in Transformation

From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-Frassetto begins his book with an overview of historiography and a brief historical summary of Europe from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. Two-thirds of the 184 entries concentrate on individuals-both the well known and the obscure. The remaining entries look at society and culture, battles, and tribes. Other than two archaeological sites, there are no entries for specific cities, countries, or kingdoms. The author emphasizes the Franco-German regions, the Carolingians, and their predecessors. (There is little to nothing on the Slavs, Scandinavians, and Celts.) Though the chronology ends in 1000, the 10th century is slighted, with no mention of Hugh Capet (King of France, 987-996) and only a few fleeting references to the Vikings. Frassetto's writing tends to be awkward and repetitious. Some of the subject headings are odd ("King Arthur" rather than Arthur, King, "Barbarian Art," "Germanic Religion") and some topics appear more than once ("Capitularies"/"Saxon Capitularies," "Law and Law Codes"/"Salic Law"). There are no entries for feasts and festivals, ships and shipbuilding, architecture, magic and folklore, medicine, commerce and trade, diplomacy, fairs, furniture, games and pastimes, travel and transportation, social classes, prisons and punishment, and nobles and nobility. There are five woefully inadequate maps and a handful of black-and-white illustrations. Most libraries will find Matthew Bunson's broader, more expansive Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (Facts On File, 1995) is a better choice. Concise, thorough, and comprehensive, with clear maps and drawings, it has some 2000 entries and covers major non-European cultures.
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
In this encyclopedia, the phrase barbarian Europe is used in place of what was once designated the Dark Ages. Current research, reflected in abundance in this work, shows that the latter term was an erroneous euphemism--rather, the period of European history that roughly begins with the fall of the western Roman Empire and ends with the fall of the Carolingians should be seen as one of transition, when the seeds of the modern nation-state were sown.
In more than 200 entries, Frassetto, a medieval scholar, delves into the research that places barbarian Europe in this new context. From the standard references such as Charlemagne and the Battle of Poitiers to the less familiar (but no less important) Judith (mother of Charles the Bald) and Witenagemot (general council of the Anglo-Saxon kings), this work addresses the idea of transition in an informative, easy-to-read manner. There is a special focus on the roles played by women and on the social and cultural context of this period. For example, there are entries for Education and learning and Family.
The work opens with an essay on the historiography of the time period showing how current scholarship has encouraged the new perspective. This is followed by a historical overview of the years under consideration. A detailed chronology takes the reader from 305 C.E. (the retirement of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian) to 1,000 C.E. (the writing of Beowulf). Each entry is cross-referenced and has a list of further readings. A worthy bibliography also draws out some of the themes of the work.
This is an excellent addition to reference collections. Although some of the same topics are covered in reference sources on the Middle Ages, this is the only volume that focuses entirely on the barbarian period. It is recommended for public and academic libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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The Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, and Addictive Behavior
is now in its third edition. Edited by Henry Kranzler and Pamela Korsmeyer, this electronic, searchable 4 volume encyclopedia Explores the social, medical, legal and political issues related to drugs and alcohol and associated behaviors. Includes emerging topics and developments in the many fields of addiction studies. It is located either by title in the catalog, or through the Gale Virtual Reference Library Database.


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Encyclopedia Of Judaism (Encyclopedia of World Religions)

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-This alphabetically arranged compendium of approximately 800 entries of varying length offers definitions, explanations, and descriptions of aspects of Jewish life, from the birth of the religion to the present day. There are also brief biographies of historically significant persons who happen to be Jewish, as well as discussions of the Jewish presence in a number of countries, including the Arab nations of Iran, Iraq, and Egypt. Thoroughly cross-referenced and indexed, the entries are clearly and simply written and carefully neutral. Practices observed and beliefs held by the different branches of Judaism are explained matter-of-factly, even when the topic is potentially controversial. Articles pertaining to Arabs, Palestinians, and events, such as the Intifada, are equally unbiased in tone. Each entry is followed by suggestions for further reading. The black-and-white photographs are sparse, and the selection somewhat random. While libraries owning Geoffrey Wigoder-™s The Student-™s Encyclopedia of Judaism (New York Univ., 2004) can pass, this is a solid addition that collections with healthy budgets will want to consider.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Containing about 800 entries, this encyclopedia--part of the Facts On File Encyclopedia of World Religions series--covers Judaism from its origins to the present time. It is a daunting task to compress almost 3,000 years into one modest-sized encyclopedia, but the authors have performed admirably in their eclectic choice of topics, including prominent places, major personalities, historical events, ritual practices, and objects, among numerous other subjects. Each entry ranges from a few paragraphs to several pages and includes a useful bibliography with well-described citations. The index provides easy access and helpful cross-references, and the text is enhanced with 80 black-and-white photographs, a chronology, and an interesting introductory essay.
Most noteworthy: the volume provides a superb range of ready-reference entries defining some arcane terms, e.g., JUBU (the term for Jews who adopt some Buddhist practices); the 614th commandment (Jews should perpetuate their faith after the Holocaust); Grogger (the Hebrew word for a noisemaker used during the holiday of Purim); and Shuckling (rhythmic swaying during prayer popular among Ashkenazi Jews). The volume is even fun to browse.
Almost 100 general and specialized Jewish encyclopedias have been published, including The New Encyclopedia of Judaism (New York Univ., 2002) and The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion (1997), but this work merits special consideration for its concise text and eclectic range of subjects. Strongly recommended for public, academic, and school libraries. Donald Altschiller
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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Encyclopedia of Buddhism

From Buddhism in Afghanistan to Zen Buddhism, this book offers an in-depth overview of this fascinating religion.In approximately 700 A-to-Z entries, "Encyclopedia of Buddhism" provides easy access to the terms, concepts, personalities, historical
events, institutions, and movements that helped shape the history of Buddhism and the way it is practiced today. Although the primary focus of the encyclopedia is clearly on Buddhism in all its forms, this easy-to-use resource also providesintroductions to Daoism, Shinto, Confucianism, and other religious practices in East and Southeast Asia.The entries include: Anatman; Asoka; Bodhi tree; Buddhism in the United States; Pema Chodron; Christian-Buddhist relations; Dalai Lama; Daoism inChina-Taiwan; Eightfold Path; Falun Gong; Feng shui; Hermann Hesse; Japan Buddhist Federation; Karma; Mandala; Nirvana; Questions of King Milinda; Schools of Chinese Buddhism; Stupa; Tea ceremony; Traditional Buddhist ethics; War and violence; and,Zen Buddhism.
ISBN: 0816054592, Author: Edward A. Irons, Publisher: Facts on File, Pages: 634, Publication Date: 2008-01-31

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Encyclopedia of Catholicism (Encyclopedia of World Religions)

Product Description
Product Description
"Encyclopedia of World Religions" is a new series from "Facts On File" that explores the major religions of the world, emphasizing the living faiths and their historical and social background. Each volume was written by an expert in the field, and reviewed and approved by series editor, J. Gordon Melton. Ideal for high school and junior college students, these authoritative references are accessible enough to be of use to the general reader as well as the serious scholar. Each volume includes approximately 600 A-to-Z entries that provide easy access to the theological concepts, personalities, historical events, institutions, and movements that helped shape the history of each religion and the way it is practiced today. Fascinating introductions by each author place the religion in context, and further readings, a bibliography, an index, and approximately 80 black-and-white photographs complete these invaluable resources.
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Encyclopedia of Islam & the Muslim World

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
The reference literature for Islam has long consisted of either a densely academic, multivolume encyclopedia or several, often specialized, single-volume works with brief definitions. Happily, there is now a reference work falling between these two extremes. The Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World is a scholarly work "about Islamic cultures, religion, history, politics, and the like as well as the people who have identified with Islam over the past fourteen centuries."
A team of international scholars is responsible for the 515 entries, which are arranged alphabetically and range from 200 to 5,000 words in length. Many include some sort of illustration and end with helpful see also references and excellent supplemental bibliographies. A useful index completes the set. Coverage includes the religious dimensions of Islam as well as the development of the tradition in various parts of the world (e.g., Africa, South Asia, U.S.). Cultural issues of importance to the history of Islam (e.g., architecture, calligraphy, language) are also treated. Entries such as Political organization and Political thought demonstrate the historical completeness for which the encyclopedia strives, tracing developments from the life of the Prophet to the present day. Even topics of contemporary interest include a historical perspective. The entry for Jihad describes the many meanings of the term, including its contemporary association with violence, and how the concept has developed historically. The treatment of secularization in the Muslim world includes a comparison to historical events in the West, thereby helping the reader to understand that it cannot be understood solely from a Western perspective. Finally, the biographical entries include important figures from the religious, cultural, and political history of the Muslim world.
The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World (1995) is close in spirit and size (four volumes) to this new work, but its coverage includes far less of historical figures and events. The Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, on the other hand, "seeks to contextualize contemporary Islam within the longer history of Islam." As such, it can easily serve as a standard reference source with its scholarly, yet accessible, content. Highly recommend for academic and large public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"Highly recommended for academic and public libraries."
--"Lawrence Looks at Books on gale.com" (April 2004)
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Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia (3 Volume Set)

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
The theme of this work "is that most effective intermediary between heaven and earth: the holy human being who has a foot in both realms." More than 1,000 of the 1,183 entries are biographical sketches of men and women from a variety of religious traditions, including African religions, Amerindian religions, Bahaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto, and Sikhism. There are also survey articles that address aspects of holy people across religious traditions. For example, Attributes of holy people discusses special marks or signs various traditions have regarded as proof of an individual's holiness, while Intermediaries shows the place of the holy person as mediator between the divine and the rest of humankind. Other entries describe activities or lifestyles commonly associated with holy people (e.g., Meditation and holy people, Hermits). Still others treat the intersection of holy people with such topics as aesthetics, gender, politics, suffering, and violence. While it may be no surprise to find entries for various Christian saints or the current Dalai Lama, entries for Nelson Mandela and the last Romanovs demonstrate how different cultures approach holiness in different ways.
The alphabetically arranged entries were written by a team of international scholars, are signed, and conclude with see references and suggestions for further reading. The set contains some black-and-white illustrations.
The editor admits that the coverage of holy people among various religious traditions is uneven, explaining this in more detail in her preface. In the end, "what this encyclopedia offers is very much a sampler pack of holy folk from around the world," an admission that may well be instructive to libraries considering purchasing the work. Large academic or research libraries with rich reference collections in biography and religion will not find too much new here. Libraries lacking such resources and in need of biographical information in this area may find this sampler filling in many a gap. Christopher McConnell
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
A cross-cultural encyclopedia of the most significant holy people in history, examining why people in a wide range of religious traditions throughout the world have been regarded as divinely inspired. Saints and shamans. Avatars and righteous men. Friends of God. In practically every religion and culture throughout history, individuals have been recognized for their uncommon connection to the divine or their exceptional service to faith and humanity. The stories of these "holy people" reflect both the spirituality of specific cultures and the universal impulse to find meaning through faith. The first reference on the subject to span all the world's major religions, Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia examines the impact of individuals who, through personal charisma and inspirational deeds, served both as glorious examples of human potential and as envoys for the divine. Holy People of the World contains more than 1,100 biographical sketches of venerated men and women. Written by religious studies experts and historians, each article focuses on the basic question: How did this person come to be regarded as holy? In addition, the encyclopedia features 20 survey articles on views of holy people in the major religious traditions such as Islam, Buddhism, and African religions, as well as 62 comparative articles on aspects of holiness and veneration across cultures such as awakening and conversion experiences, heredity, gender, asceticism, and persecution. Whether exploring by religion, culture, or historic period, this extensively cross-referenced resource offers a wealth of insights into one of the most revealing-and least explored-common denominators of spiritual traditions.

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Encyclopedia of Disasters [Two Volumes]: Environmental Catastrophes and Human Tragedies

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up—Gunn catalogs 184 natural and human-induced disasters chronologically, beginning with an Indonesian volcano in 74,000 BCE and ending with a 2007 tornado in Greensburg, KS. Articles, varying in length from two paragraphs to several pages, include some well-known and absorbing accounts. For instance, the one on the 1932 Soviet forced famine in Ukraine discusses Stalin's wife's connection. Other entries are more obscure, such as one on a hurricane that struck Georgia and South Carolina in 1881. Unfortunately, the depth and quality of the entries are mixed. Some articles discuss other events at length. Half of the entry on a 1960 mid-air collision over New York City, for example, digresses to Swissair's 1998 plane crash in Nova Scotia. The further-reading resources following articles are dated. Those listed for a 2005 earthquake are from 1950, 1974, and 1993. The writing style of the lengthy introduction is inconsistent and shifts between informal first person to more scholarly third person, and between passive and active voice. Questionable information is provided as fact with no documentation ("Our rate of consumption of almost all natural resources has dropped greatly…we consume less of irreplaceable oil and gas supplies."). Few of the mostly small black-and-white photographs provide any real impact or new information. The index (in volume two only) fails to list some of the principal figures mentioned in the articles. There are only a few cross-references and alternative spellings are disregarded.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School Library, Lancaster, PA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
“Once again Gunn (emer., Univ. of British Columbia) has written a quintessential tome. This encyclopedia equals his prolific earlier works....The Encyclopedia of Disasters presents a descriptive, illustrated account of disasters, both natural and human-induced, that have occurred throughout the world over the last 2,000 years. However, unlike other works that recant the facts and obvious destruction, Gunn identifies three characteristics germane to many disasters and then further advances the belief that understanding, preservation, and minimizing the level of destruction are an integral part of and vital to the preservation of the global environment. This encyclopedia covers more than 180 of the most important and devastating disasters in history. The chronologically arranged entries each include a list of readings for additional research. Readers will find the information presented fascinating, informative, and useful. Highly recommended.”–Choice
“Disasters--among them earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, pandemic illnesses, landslides, and terrorist attacks--have had a significant impact on the world's people and environment throughout the last 2,000 years. Gunn, an author and professor emeritus in geography and geology, explores both natural and human-induced disasters in this set....In the extensive introduction, Gunn notes that "understanding of disasters anywhere in the world is vital to the preservation of our global environment." The focus on understanding causes and consequences makes this a recommended title for academic and public libraries.”–Booklist
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Encyclopedia of Flight

From Booklist
This set presents an impressively broad range of information on more than 300 scientific and historical topics related to the field of aviation. Attention is given to all categories and types of civil and military aircraft, principles of aerodynamics, and mechanical and technical aspects of flying. Besides conventional topics one would associate with a resource devoted to flight and aviation, some unexpected entries, guaranteed to pique the reader, include Animal flight, Baggage
handling and regulations, Bermuda Triangle, Paper airplanes, "Vomit Comet," Whirly-Girls, and Wing-walking. Relevant biographies of pionee in aviation and profiles of major airlines are incorporated. Information is current through September 2001.

Alphabetically arranged entries--varying in length from several paragraphs to several pages--begin with a brief definition of the topic and its significance to aviation, with dates supplied when applicable. All entries are signed and accompanied by annotated bibliographies and cross-references.

Each volume has a list of topics found in that particular volume and two set indexes, one alphabetical and one that groups entries by category. Volume 3 contains a plethora of supplemental information, including a bibliography; a list of Web sites; directories of North American flight schools, training cente, and museums; and lists of international airports, air carrie, and airplane types. Two time lines record events in aviation history and air disaste from 1785 to 2001.
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Political Corruption in America: An Encyclopedia of Scandals, Power, and Greed

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
In this resource, political corruption is defined as "the dishonest use of a position of elected power to gain a monetary advantage." Therefore, other types of scandals, such as sexual misconduct, are not included. However, some notable exceptions are covered, for example, Watergate and the Iran-Contra Affair. The majority of the more than 250 entries are devoted to people, such as mayors of big cities, governors, senators, representatives, presidents, and other government officials. Additional types of headings cover court cases, names of scandals (e.g., Swartwout-Hoyt Scandal), legislative acts (e.g., Hatch Act), and other miscellaneous topics (e.g., Honoraria). Content focuses primarily on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Articles average about two pages in length, and most include a reference list. Many articles contain lengthy quotations, thereby adding a second voice to the topic under discussion. The author presents complex issues clearly. For example, the two-page article on Whitewater outlines key events in chronological order from 1978 up to the final Whitewater report, issued in March 2002. Numerous illustrations accompany the articles, including many political cartoons, which adds a touch of humor.
Eight appendixes demonstrate the attention to detail evident throughout this volume. For example, appendix 3, "Independent Counsel Investigations, 1979-1999," lists not only names and results but also the costs of the investigations. Other appendixes cover government cases of censure, expulsion, and impeachment. A chronology lists events related to political corruption from 1635 to 2003. A 21-page bibliography cites resources by format (e.g., books, government documents). We found no references to Internet sites.
Ethics in U.S. Government: An Encyclopedia of Investigations, Scandals, Reforms, and Legislation (Greenwood, 2001) covers primarily the post-World War II period. The New Encyclopedia of American Scandal (Facts On File, 2001) is much broader in scope. Many entries in Political Corruption in America are not in The New Encyclopedia of American Scandal. Political Corruption in America should be useful in most academic, high-school, and public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Product Description
The complete scandal-filled history of American political corruption focusing on the infamous people and cases, as well as society's electoral and judicial reactions. America loves a good scandal. Since colonial times, there has been no shortage of politicians willing to take a bribe, skirt campaign finance laws, or act in their own interests. Corruption like the Whiskey Ring, Watergate, and whitewater cases dominate American life, making political scandal a leading U.S. industry. From judges to senators, presidents to mayors, Political Corruption In America discusses the infamous people throughout history that have been accused and implicated in crooked behavior. More than 250 A-Z entries explore the people, crimes, investigations, and court cases behind 200 years of American political scandals. This unbiased volume also delves into the issues surrounding Koreagate, the Chinese money scandal, and other ethical lapses. Relevant terms and statutes, including the Independent Counsel Act and impeachment as a tool of political punishment, are examined as well. Students and scholars following American history, political science, and ethics, plus other intrigued readers, will all appreciate this survey of a wide range of corrupting influences. This title focuses on how politicians of all stripes have fallen because of their greed and hubris. And how society has used electoral and judicial means against those who tested the accepted standards of political conduct.
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A Concise Encyclopedia of Islam

This concise reference guide is designed specifically for readers and students who wish to learn more about the world's fastest-growing religion. Fully illustrated, the encyclopedia contains hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries which give succinct yet authoritative information on everything from the Qur'an and its origins to the role of Islam in the USA.

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Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender: Men and Women in the World's Cultures Topics and Cultures A-K - Volume 1; Cultures L-Z - Volume 2

Review
From the reviews:
"This particular collection is well worthy to stand by its predecessors. We welcome the publication of this book and would draw it to the attention of major reference libraries and libraries catering for serious academic work in anthropology, as a handy collection of information, mined for us out of a huge resource bank."
(Martin Guha, Institute of Psychiatry, SciTech Books)
Product Description
In many animal species, one can hardly tell the difference between females and males. Their size, coloring, and behavior may be so similar that even experts cannot readily tell the difference until they are ready to reproduce. In contrast, human females and males differ not only in secondary sexual characteristics, but they also generally exhibit differences in height, weight, and ratio of muscle to fat. Given the reproductive differences, as well as differences in appearance between males and females, it is hardly surprising that most, if not all societies conceive of females and males as important social categories. These reproductive and biological facts by themselves cannot explain the enormous variability in the way societies treat persons of the different biological sexes. The most sexually egalitarian societies may hardly treat males and females differently. But there are no societies that clearly give more overall advantages to females than to males, and those that advantage males vary considerably from mild to extreme inequality.
The central aim of this encyclopedia is to give the reader a comparative perspective on issues involving conceptions of gender, gender differences, gender roles, relationships between the genders, and sexuality. This is done within the two main sections within the encyclopedia: Topics and Cultures. The topical overviews are divided into four sections:
cultural conceptions of gender;
observed differences between males and females in behavior and personality;
institutionalized aspects of gender;
sexuality and male-female interaction.
The Cultures sections contains 82 specific cultural articles written by anthropologists or other social scientists who have lived with the people they write about and are able to give a vivid portrait of life in that society, which provide a "portrait" of how boys and girls grow up and become men and women in that society. Cultures from the widest possible spectrums-from egalitarian to stratified, from foragers to intensive agriculturalists, from those with kin groups structured around males to those structured around females, from those where the status of women and men is relatively equal to those where status is mostly unequal. We also have cultures from every major geographical region. The combination of topical overviews and varying cultural portraits is what makes this encyclopedia unique. This major reference work is an essential part of any institution's library and belongs in the library of every cultural and social anthropologist.

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In this indispensable reference, twenty-nine leaders in the field describe how language works--accounting for its nature, use, study, and history. An Encyclopaedia of Language provides a truly comprehensive overview of how the various branches of linguistic study have arrived at their current positions. It divides the subject into three logical sections: 1) the "inner nature" of language; 2) its interaction with other disciplines; and 3) some special aspects of its study and use.
Readers will find detailed coverage of: how language works; how language is taught and learned; phonetics; grammar and semantics; how linguists research their subjects and interpret results; second languages; language and computation; writing systems; the history of language study; the evolution of language; the distribution of languages around the world; lexicography; dialectology; and other topics.