Reference Book Reviews

Gr 9 Up–This set provides an overview of groups, individuals, and concepts associated with social activism around the world. It includes an impressive array of entries that run the gamut from the Anti-Wal-Mart Movement and the NRA to Ecofeminism and Ossie Davis, covering figures and topics that are frequently absent in extant reference works. The set’s inclusions and omissions will undoubtedly stir up healthy debate, unavoidable in any reference work addressing a topic of such breadth. The editors’ self-stated parameters for inclusion hinge on whether the movement or person articulates an end-goal of social justice. For example, the Ku Klux Klan is excluded while Hezbollah appears. Entries, arranged alphabetically and written in clear and concise language, are followed by cross-references as well as a list of further readings, rendering each an accessible research portal. Though organized in a different manner, this set complements Immanuel Ness’s Encyclopedia of American Social Movements (Sharpe Reference, 2004) by expanding the scope to the world stage. Social Justice will prove extremely useful for civics and global-issues researchers.–Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 6-10–Joining companion volumes in the series, this detailed history of our efforts to crawl out of the ocean of atmosphere provides sturdy, if drably formatted, support for specialized research assignments. Broad surveys of legendary or imaginary journeys and the various hazards of space travel, and discussions about near-future planned ventures, open and close the book. In between, Angelo describes, mission-by-mission, the early use of animals as flight-test subjects, space projects from Mercury to Apollo, and the subsequent twin development of the space shuttle and increasingly elaborate orbiting stations. The main focus is on the U.S. space program, though other nations’ efforts receive some coverage. Supplemented by rare, murky black-and-white photographs, plus occasional sidebars on launch vehicles, the history and fate of the U.S. Air Force “Astrochimps,” and other special topics, this volume offers a reliable source of information about the course, purposes, and results of nearly every space mission to the end of 2006. For collections supporting a strong science curriculum, it will make an economical alternative to the latest edition of Russell R. Tobias’s encyclopedic USA In Space (Salem, 2006).–John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 5 Up–From ancients (Jezebel, born ninth century B.C.E.) to more recent miscreants such as Lee Boyd Malvo (one of the 2002 Washington, DC, snipers), this set spotlights individuals whose offenses or negative actions have had a historical impact. Each of the 637 signed biographies begins with basic vital statistics: birth and death dates, the source of the subject’s notoriety and its dates and geographic locale; and subsequent sentencing, when applicable. Following these brief facts are one- to three-page essays profiling the individuals’ early lives; their criminal, political, or military careers; any legal action or outcomes; and their significance or impact on law, history, society, or culture. Each well-written essay maintains a factual tone and includes references to further reading. Some of the entries are accompanied by sidebar excerpts from letters, documents, or articles that offer a view into the person or enhance understanding of his or her historical or social impact. Ample avenues of access are provided through category, geography, and personage indexes.–Linda Ward-Callaghan, Joliet Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up–This ambitious volume includes factual and biographical information on extreme sports and their participants and explores the psychology behind the practice of these activities. More than 100 topics and people are covered. Writers discuss both the basic (inline skating/rollerblading, jet skiing) and the bizarre (extreme ironing, vine jumping on Pentecost Island), as well as social issues such as media coverage. Substantial biographical information, even on more well-known athletes, is somewhat lacking, although a further reading section is appended to each article. Some entries also have cross-references. The source notes and index are impressive, but there are too few photos, and they’re all in black and white. The page numbers on each right-hand page are backwards, an annoying touch. For larger collections seeking to complement titles such as Joe Tomlinson and Ed Leigh’s Extreme Sports (Firefly, 2004), this encyclopedia will provide more depth.–Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 6 Up–These figures represent a wide range of famous and lesser-known people from around the world and spanning several centuries. Featuring scientists, artists, and leaders rather than modern celebrities or athletes means that there are entries on many hard-to-find individuals, though a mere eight are female. Only 15 of the people also appear in Rick Laezman’s 100 Hispanic-Americans Who Changed American History (World Almanac, 2005), reflecting this work’s global and historical focus. Each entry includes two to three pages of well-organized information. “Career Highlights” and “Important Contributions” are followed by a one- to two-page chronological overview. The narratives are clear and lively enough to engage readers who are unfamiliar with the subject. They highlight positive elements of each life, as well as less admirable ones when appropriate. These are not in-depth profiles, but they provide solid summaries with well-chosen specific details. Each article includes a bibliography. Entries are arranged alphabetically by name; the index provides access by homeland, but there is no convenient way to search by occupation or time period. Articles lack cross-references, which also makes it hard to see connections between people in related fields and eras. There are no photographs, and the simple black-and-white drawings of each figure are rather unappealing. Still, this volume offers a wealth of useful material in a needed subject area, presented in an accessible format and style.–Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 10 Up–More text-heavy than a traditional atlas, this book presents the lands of the Bible in four sections: “The Setting” (including chapters on “Climate, Flora, and Fauna” and “Israel and the Nations”), “The Hebrew Bible,” “The New Testament,” and “Archaeology in Bible Lands.” The main revisions since the 1984 edition are visual. Nearly all of the maps and illustrations are now in color. While the images greatly relieve the density of the text, many serve a largely decorative function. Portions of the text have also been revised, based on archaeological discoveries and to avoid religious-based terminology and place names, where possible. The narrative is engaging, clear, and carefully neutral, and biblical citations are provided. In addition, readers are reminded that although biblical events are presented in a geographic context, it cannot be assumed that they are historically accurate, and that on occasion different sections of the Bible give alternate versions of events. Along with a general index, there is a comprehensive geographic index and a chronology of rulers and events in Syria-Palestine, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Asia Minor from approximately 43,000 B.C.E. to 330 C.E. Schools with courses on religious studies/ancient civilizations and/or the Bible will want this resource for their serious and senior students, and all libraries owning the third edition will want to replace it with this handsome new volume.–Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City

Gr 9 Up–Crafting a readable and informative history, Freedman reminds readers of the struggles of Hank Aaron and his brethren. The articles are arranged neither alphabetically nor strictly chronologically. Instead, the order of subject coverage is chosen to best weave individual stories into a cohesive account of African Americans in baseball in the 20th century. Each lengthy selection provides details of the players’ personal and professional lives as well as the abuses they suffered. Since Freedman was able to interview a few of the players, such as Buck O’Neill and Minnie Minoso, the anecdotes and reminiscences make these men seem real, and the racism they encountered that much more painful. The bibliography, index, and chapter notes are extensive, but the black-and-white photos are a bit scarce. This book, with its greater focus on players, will complement Patricia C. and Frederick L. McKissack’s Black Diamond (Scholastic, 1994), which devotes more space to the formation of the Negro Leagues.–Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 8 Up–The distinguished Latino Americans profiled in these extensive overviews include individuals in the United States who trace their ancestry to Spanish-speaking countries and Brazil, as well as natives of those countries who have permanently settled here. However, the works focus on those born in the 20th century, and individuals of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban descent. Each volume contains more than 150 one- to two-page unsigned entries, arranged alphabetically, and covering such figures as basketball player Manu Ginobili (Athletes), former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona (Science), and Celia Cruz (Arts). Many profiles are accompanied by black-and-white photographs, sometimes dated, that depict subjects in the beginning or prime of their careers. Entries begin with a concise summary of the traits that make the individual noteworthy, followed by a longer narrative. These straightforward, unbiased works are accessible for report writers who need a starting point for gathering current information. A detailed bibliography and further-reading suggestions (and listening and viewing suggestions in Art) are included. These books will be welcome companions to Matt S. Meier’s Notable Latino Americans: A Biographical Dictionary (Greenwood, 1997), which contains longer, more detailed entries about 127 U.S.-based Latinos.–Teresa Moffett, Fulton High School, Knoxville, TN

Gr 9 Up–Of this set’s 1037 essays, 830 are drawn from previous Salem works. While the chronologically arranged selections discuss the traditional political and military events generally found elsewhere, their strength is the inclusion of the scientific discoveries; milestones in environmental protections; and developments in the arts, literature, philosophy, and entertainment that will help users understand how much of the modern world was created during this period. The majority of the essays, which range in length from two to four pages, are about events in the United States and the West, but other parts of the world are also represented. The well-written articles are divided into two sections: a summary of the event and its significance. The text is supplemented by black-and-white photos, maps, cartoons, scientific illustrations, charts, and primary-source excerpts. Essays are cross-referenced, and each one has a helpful annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources. Appendixes include a set bibliography arranged by subject; an annotated list of electronic resources; and geographical, personage, and subject indexes. This set provides access to clear, objective information, especially on topics in the sciences and mathematics.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 7 Up–This ambitiously titled compendium brings together many facets of the settlement’s history in a format that is accessible to younger report writers as well as to serious researchers. An extensive introductory essay details the 16th- and 17th-century political and economic factors that affected the establishment of Jamestown and its subsequent history. The first half of the book is devoted to encyclopedia-style entries on a variety of topics, including people, places, and significant events. The other half, “Selected Writings,” contains excerpts from primary-source materials (snippets of which are also scattered throughout the text as sidebars). The problem of the one-sided nature of many accounts of the settlement is addressed by the inclusion of cross-references and further-reading suggestions after each entry. These are especially valuable when looking up a specific topic. The writing style is more conversational than that in many reference books (on the construction of Civil War trenches: “One cringes at the thought of what was lost during the building of those fortifications”). Native peoples are discussed primarily in terms of their interactions with the Europeans; however, the authors carefully differentiate between the various tribal groups within the area and include information about their present-day status. Black-and-white engravings, drawings, paintings, and a few maps and contemporary photographs appear throughout the encyclopedia section. This volume should prove useful as it brings together many sources that may not be readily available in smaller collections.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

Gr 9 Up–Fourteen chapters cover the pre-Colonial period through 2006 under such headings as “War and Reconstruction: 1861-1880” and “Immigrants, Industry, and the Social Gospel: 1881-1889.” Each commences with a thorough narrative on religious events of the period, followed by more detailed chronicles listing events in various years. Chapters conclude with a section of eyewitness testimony, including citations. Religions covered include Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. Readers with or without a background in history will be able to appreciate this work. The layout is dense in appearance but the writing is clear and the chronologies are particularly useful. Simple black-and-white illustrations and photographs are scattered throughout. Readers will be well served by the abundance of information offered in the appendixes. They include primary-source documents (such as excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and the Civil Rights Act of 1964), more than 150 biographies of major personalities (Black Elk, Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan), maps, graphs, and tables. Despite the fact that events since the publication of the book (such as the death of Jerry Falwell) will make some entries out-of-date, the volume will be a useful addition.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 8 Up–A potentially useful and much-needed volume. It includes over 400 entries, covering the basics of all major religions and their subgroups along with gods and other revered figures (Krishna, Allah, Jesus); concepts (agape, ahimsa, heaven); individuals (Abraham, Constantine, Fatima); places (Jerusalem, al-Aqsa Mosque, the Vatican); rites (baptism, circumcision, pilgrimage); and festivals (Christmas, Divali, Kwanzaa). Unfortunately, the book has many flaws. There are no maps, and a glossary is sorely needed. Hay is inconsistent at providing population figures, and he fails to indicate how entries were selected (important because the book is obviously highly condensed). There is nothing on Wicca, Pentecostalism, Spiritualism, or the Amish or Mennonites. Material on Christian denominations varies drastically; some have their own article while others are discussed under their founder or another topic, and formats differ. Many biblical books and characters are omitted, including Genesis, Psalms, Esther, Noah, and Jacob. The many errors include incorrect dates, misspellings, and internal inconsistencies. Finally, Hay’s “see also” references are woefully incomplete. “Easter” has none to Jesus or resurrection, and “Christianity” and “Judaism” have just six each, though there are dozens more related articles. Robert S. Ellwood’s The Encyclopedia of World Religions (Facts On File, 2006), for slightly older readers, has 600 entries and is broader in scope. It covers mythology and the philosophy of religion; religious art and architecture; controversial topics such as abortion, evolution, and homosexuality; and has other helpful features including a chart giving worldwide populations and a topical guide.–Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up–Hess admits in his introduction that choosing the 24 individuals profiled was a difficult task, and that the volumes are not comprehensive. The scope was kept intentionally broad to include detailed coverage of the lives and careers of a wide swath of artists representing both the “old school” and the “new school.” Most of the expected major figures are here, from Tupac to Eminem and Run DMC to Public Enemy. Women such as Queen Latifah and Lil’ Kim are also included. The history and development of hip-hop music and culture is provided in the introductory materials; in a time line of hip-hop history, and in additional material at the end of volume two, which includes interviews with DJ Premier and DJ Scratch and a list of the most overlooked DJs in hip hop; and in sidebars sprinkled throughout the articles. The placement of the sidebars is somewhat disconcerting as they may be overlooked by readers who study the biography of an individual artist instead of browsing the entire work, though the index helps in this regard. Articles are extremely well sourced to the point that some of the material takes on an academic tone. Icons is primarily for libraries with strong reference collections and where hip hop is a regular research topic.–Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 7 Up–This handy dictionary includes an “eticket” for a free, downloadable version for use on computers, PDAs, and smartphones. Students of either language will find that the book’s 100,000 words and phrases, German to American English and American English to German, are comprehensive and current and will more than suffice for beginning and intermediate usage. The grammar guide (mainly for students of German), while not encyclopedic, conveys the essential parts of a notoriously opaque subject succinctly and clearly. Instead of listing every rule and exception, it presents generalities that will allow students to get by. Unfortunately, many examples are given in German only. This is also the case with phrases in the main body of the dictionary. For example, under “the,” the phrase “the colder it got, the more she shivered” is translated as “je kälter es würde, desto mehr zitterte sie,” and users will have no way of knowing that “je…desto…” means “the…the….” Front and back matter explain how to use the dictionary and its phonetic symbols, and provide color maps and lists of numerals; weights, measures, and temperatures; and geographical names. Particularly useful are lists of “False Friends,” words that are used in both languages but do not have the same meaning, such as the German “gift,” meaning “poison.” A worthy addition.-Henrietta Thornton-Verma, School Library Journal

Gr 2-5–Revised and updated with 35,000 entries and more than 3000 full-color illustrations, this attractive dictionary is a browser’s delight. An introductory section explains how to find a word and includes a helpful spelling guide. Colorful alphabet tabs appear in capitals on the left and in lowercase on the right of each spread; guide words appear in blue at the top of each page. Red arrowheads in entries indicate illustrations; there are generally between three and six of these per spread, all with engaging captions. Pronunciation guides, alternate spellings, parts of speech, other forms, and idioms that include the word in question accompany each clearly written definition. Occasional word histories are boxed in blue, and language notes in yellow. Any broad category with which the word is associated–such as history or government–is also mentioned, though these are a bit redundant and arbitrary. For instance, “Science” is an entry, but “Chemistry,” “Biology,” and “Environment,” which could all fall under it, are mentioned separately. Eye-catching feature panels provide detailed information about words of particular interest to children, such as cats, storms, and sharks. The reference section includes maps; a chart showing each state’s flag, nickname, capital, population, name origin, flower, and bird; a list of presidents–their terms, First Ladies, and vice presidents; a list of countries and their flags; charts about environmental issues; and a section on the solar system, reflecting Pluto’s demotion. An accessible and enticing addition.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 7 Up–Alphabetically arranged articles of various lengths describe the history and purpose of various groups and individuals such as the Mafia, medieval terrorists, the Abu Nidal Organization, Basque separatists, Nazis, and Eric Rudolph. Victims such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Daniel Pearl are also mentioned. The text is arranged in two-column pages. Articles conclude with “see also” notations. Fuzzy black-and-white photos appear occasionally throughout. Captions do not add much to the text and are sometimes inaccurate, and coverage of the same topic in one pair of cross-referenced articles (“Branch Davidians” and “Waco incident”) does not agree. Most information, however, is accurate. The text concludes with a chronology of events from C.E. 60-61 to February 2007, followed by several pages of further reading suggestions and an extensive index.–Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 9 Up–Doubled in size from its previous edition (Facts On File, 2001), this general reference boasts nearly 1000 biographies, almost half of which profile women. Entries are arranged alphabetically, and cover early scientists such as Greek mathematician Pythagoras and present-day figures such as American biologist Gretchen Daily. Individuals in unexpected occupations including animal psychology, illustration, midwifery, and writing are covered, as are scientists with nontraditional career paths. Steven Jobs, for example, is featured as a computer engineer, although he is now the marketing genius behind Apple computers and majority shareholder in Pixar Films. Separate indexes for field of study, year of birth, country of birth, and country of major scientific activity are included. Essays are approximately five to seven paragraphs each, regardless of the individual’s stature or accomplishments; some are accompanied by a large black-and-white captioned portrait or candid photo. A set index is included in each volume. This reference shines for its attention to women, featuring international and diverse scientists such as Idah Sithole-Niang, a Zimbabwean biochemist known for her crop and herbicide research, and Margarita Hortensia Colmenares, a Hispanic engineer who is making a name for herself in the area of environmental cleanup. Current and historical coverage makes this an enticing work.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 9 Up–This hearty reworking of Mark Twain A to Z (Facts On File, 1995) presents considerable revisions and modern features. It divides previous alphabetical entries and other information into four clearly labeled sections (“Biography” and “Works A-Z” in volume one, and “Related People, Places, and Topics” and “Appendices” in volume two) for easier access. Valuable extras include a biography section, more than 350 added A-Z entries, 33 original critical essays by literary scholars, an updated bibliography, and improved cross-referencing. The significantly expanded appendixes include additions to the chronology and suggested readings, while “Mediagraphy,” “Mark Twain Sites on the World Wide Web,” “A Mark Twain Calendar of Days,” “Novels about Mark Twain,” and “Filmography” are worthy new entries. Other enhancements include more black-and-white maps and lesser-known illustrations, and a handy glossary. Although similar in scope, Gregg Camfield’s The Oxford Companion to Mark Twain (2003) and J. R. LeMaster and James D. Wilson’s The Mark Twain Encyclopedia (Garland, 1993) do not provide such wide-ranging information or the accessibility of Rasmussen’s volumes.–Cara Webster, Cumberland University Vise Library, Lebanon, TN

Gr 6 Up–There are numerous excellent reference works dealing with the Renaissance but few focus specifically on women. This work covers how women of the period lived; how they were treated and viewed; and the literary, artistic, musical, social, political, scientific, and religious contributions they made. Most of the roughly 150 entries are biographies. They include profiles of Marguerite de Navarre, Catherine of Siena, Elizabeth I, Isabella d’Este, Louise Labé, Artemisia Gentileschi, Barbara Strozzi, Anne de Graville, Anna of Denmark, and Sofonisba Anguissola. Black-and-white reproductions of period portraits are included in many of the profiles. Subjects include alchemy; contraception and birth control; religious persecution; feminism; power, politics, and women; Sappho and the Sapphic tradition; work; and literary culture. Each of the alphabetically arranged essays is about one-half to two pages long, and is signed, concise, and well written, and the bibliography is extensive. An excellent addition.–Madeleine G. Wright, New Hampton School, NH

Gr 9 Up–This encyclopedic work is a shorter version of Smith’s acclaimed two-volume The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America (2004), in terms of breadth of coverage and article length. More than 200 professional food writers, chefs, and professors contributed nearly 1000 alphabetically arranged, signed entries that each include a bibliography, and range from “Chuck E. Cheese Pizza” to “Nestlé” and “Irradiation” to “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups” (with a sidebar on “Reese’s Pieces” and E. T.). Most articles are briefer rewrites of those in the Encyclopedia, while others have been included as is. Longer entries include pieces that give historical overviews of specific eras (“Colonial Period to the Revolutionary War,” “World War II”). Entries devoted to name brands and franchises abound. Briefly captioned archival reproductions (most previously published in the Encyclopedia) appear throughout. Two eight-page sections of color plates inserted for visual appeal contain no direct references to or from corresponding entries. Historical and cultural context is addressed within individual entries and reinforced through an opening topical outline that assigns them to one or more of 17 subject categories (“Ethnic and Cultural Cuisines,” “Food and Society”). Appendixes include food and drink bibliographies and lists of food-related festivals, museums, periodicals, organizations, and Web sites. Clearly written and concisely presented, this volume will be an affordable multidisciplinary resource for large collections that do not own The Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America (2004).–Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 7 Up–Largely focusing on tribes now found in Canada and the United States, this alphabetically arranged revision of the 1998 edition attempts to document the lives of Native American women from the 1500s to today. It includes profiles of people recently in the news and an updated bibliography and further-reading lists. Other entries have been revised. As the introduction emphasizes, an exclusively oral tradition was prevalent in most tribes and it was not until the mid- to late-19th century that many Indian women began to share their stories with a wider audience. Therefore, entries on women from earlier periods are based on information from the chief historians of the times–white males–whose cultural lens often caused them to devalue Native lives, particularly the contributions of women. Entries vary in length from one to four pages and make a concerted effort to portray the individual while refraining from judgment on her motives or actions. Black-and-white illustrations are included when available. “Further reading” follows each entry and includes references to articles from academic journals and other quality print and electronic sources. The first appendix, “Recommended Sources on American Indian Women Studies,” lists 58 classic and recent works that would form an excellent core collection on the topic. Other appendixes are by profession, tribe, and year of birth. The index is adequate, including “see also” references as well as separate typefaces for entries and illustrations. This resource is of exceptionally high quality.–Courtney Lewis, Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, Kingston, PA

Gr 9 Up–Intended for a broad audience, from students to industry environmental managers, journalists, and government agencies, this work draws on a wide range of disciplines. They include administrative and environmental law, epidemiology and public health, management, and the natural and social sciences. Altogether there are 5400 generously cross-referenced definitions, 450 of them new. Approximately 20 entries list locations, such as Love Canal, that are infamous for environmental disasters. The 46 entries on individuals include Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, and John Muir. Also provided is information about (and sometimes Web site addresses for) many environmental organizations and government agencies and programs. Unfortunately, these are not listed in an appendix. Simple black-and-white diagrams clarify some concepts such as “sanitary landfill” and “wind rose.” Where helpful, chemical formulas and mathematical functions are included. The brief definitions, ranging from five lines to half a column, are as clear and as nontechnical as feasible without loss of accuracy. Pronunciations are not indicated. The appendixes include a valuable 680-term acronym list; “Approximate Unit Equivalents,” including conversions for various measures of energy, power and pressure; concentrations of gases and aerosol vapors (used in describing levels of environmental contamination); and various statistics. While the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Environmental Science (2003) has almost twice the number of entries, the definitions here are of greater depth.–Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL