Reference Reviews, November 15, 2010
Nov 15, 2010Atlases
Atlas of World History. 2d ed.Oxford Univ. 2010. 312p. ed. by Patrick O’Brien. illus. maps. bibliog. index.ISBN 9780199746538. $49.95. REF
General editor O’Brien (Inst. of Historical Research, Univ. of London) headed the international cadre of scholars, editors, and cartographers, primarily from Great Britain and the United States, who produced the 1999 original edition. However, this is not the second edition of that publication, but of the “concise” edition published in 2002 and reprinted with revisions in 2007. In becoming “concise,” it kept the same contents with the exception of the multicultural time line and 600 encyclopedic entries for significant events, people, and places. It was also reduced in size from 35 to 30 centimeters, as was the type font. For this new edition, the five topical subdivisions have been retained: “The Ancient World,” “The Medieval World,” “The Early Modern World,” “The Age of Revolutions,” and “The 20th Century and Beyond” (originally just “20th Century”). Cumulatively, they provide an overview of world history from the origins of humankind five million years ago to the present. The progression of events, politics, economics, and demographics is depicted in 450 easily interpreted color maps by Philip’s, accompanying texts, 160 illustrations, a classified bibliography, and an extensive index with 8000 entries and alternate name forms. Unfortunately, the index still includes references to pages from the eliminated sections of the first edition. BOTTOM LINE Although this a handsome reference resource, the limited update does not make up for the loss of useful resources from the 1999 original edition. Referring to those missing pages from the current index compounds that loss. Not recommended.—Edward K. Werner, St. Lucie Cty. Lib. Syst., Ft. Pierce, FL
National Geographic Atlas of the World. 9th ed. National Geographic: National Geographic Society. 2010. 424p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9781426206344. $175.
Oxford Atlas of the World. 17th ed. Oxford Univ. 2010. 448p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9780199751280. $80. REF
In this update to the 2005 eighth edition, the National Geographic Society presents more than 80 large-format color maps grouped by continent portraying the world with detailed, digitally painted terrain modeling. Each continent is introduced by satellite, political, and physical maps. Political maps for regions and specific countries follow, including new regional maps for Greenland, Amazonia, the Caucasus, Iraq and Iran, the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa. There are additional detailed maps of the oceans’ floors and both hemispheres of the moon and Mars. New thematic maps have been produced for this edition, treating environmental issues, natural resources, biodiversity, and human culture. A 28-page consolidated gazetteer, “Flags and Facts,” is featured with country summaries including current official flags, demographic and economic data for all independent nations and dependencies arranged alphabetically, followed by Canadian provinces and U.S. states. The index includes more than 150,000 entries for cities and natural features but without geographical coordinates.
True to its commitment to revise its premium atlas annually, Oxford University Press has released this update of the 2009 16th edition. Retaining the same format, it contains 179 pages of full-color, computer-generated political and topographical maps by Philip’s with terrain modeling that is detailed and dramatic. A separate city map section covers 69 international metropolitan areas with 42 city center close-ups. A 32-page gazetteer provides ready reference on independent states and dependencies with data boxes, country summaries, and current official flags. More than 70 updated world and regional thematic maps with illustrations and text explore topics from the food crisis, demographics, and economics to the environment. The “Images of Earth” section presents 17 stunning, full-page satellite photos, 11 new to this edition. The general index contains roughly 84,000 entries with full geographic coordinates.BOTTOM LINE These fascinating, top-of-the-line atlases reflect the most recent geopolitical changes, including the independence of Montenegro and Kosovo, Venezuela’s half-hour time zone change, and the demarcation of the de-facto states of Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, and Somaliland. Each has its own special qualities: National Geographic’s larger size and massive index; Oxford’s lower cost and useful city maps. Both of these splendid publications are highly recommended for all libraries, as well as home, school, and office.—Edward K. Werner, St. Lucie Cty. Lib. Syst., Ft. Pierce, FL
Folklore
Steiger, Brad. Real Monsters, Gruesome Critters, and Beasts from the Darkside. Visible Ink. 2010. c.350p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781578592203. pap. $19.95. REF
Award-winning writer Steiger’s newest work examines the unusual, supernatural, and legendary creatures that go bump in the night and a plethora of weird occurrences. Steiger has written more than 2000 articles and is the author and coauthor of more than 150 titles. Contributors to this volume include artists, folklorists, ghost hunters, videographers, and cryptozoologists. The stories are derived from newspaper and historical accounts and first-person interviews. The 26 chilling chapters span “Big Cats—Predators out of Place” to “Zombies—Voodoo and the Undead.” Meanwhile, the reader gleans from the text that the bogeyman is a shape-shifting demon who once lived in bogs and that Native Americans devised special masks and dances to frighten ole bogey away. The chapter exploring lake monsters targets not only the famous Nessie but a lengthy list of strange aquatic beasts from around the world. Another section discusses haunted highways and hotels across the United States. Steiger’s writing is crisp, and the topics are captivating. The book contains an index, which notes the pages that contain illustrations, and a bibliography, though the lack of cross-references is disappointing. BOTTOM LINE This work is an entertaining read on intriguing and sometimes bizarre subject matter at a very affordable cost. Not suggested as a scholarly resource but recommended instead for high school and public library collections as a brief if limited reference on folklore and cryptozoology.—Bobbie Wrinkle, McCracken Cty. P.L., Paducah, KY
Geography
Encyclopedia of Geography. 6 vols. SAGE. Dec. 2010. c.3560p. ed. by Barney Warf. illus. maps. bibliog. ISBN 9781412956970. $895; Online: SAGE Reference Online. REF
As a means of limning all things relevant to the description of place (a “reasonably comprehensive and useful summary” of 21st-century geography, as described in the preface), this six-volume set edited by Warf (geography, Univ. of Kansas) presents over 1200 alphabetically arranged articles. Articles fall within six major categories: Physical Geography; Human Geography; Nature & Society Methods; Models & GIS; History of Geography; and People, Organizations & Movements. Articles are wide-ranging, approachable, and detailed without being burdensome; most are several pages long. Examples include “animal geographies,” “coal,” “e-commerce and geography,” “gender and nature,” “mental maps,” and “wise use movement.” See also references, additional reading, color illustrations, and an atlas section are included. BOTTOM LINE Routledge offers its Companion Encyclopedia of Geography: From Local to Global at half the price of this reviewed set; it is also half the length. Smaller libraries owning the Routledge may not need this newer, longer work, but medium and large institutions will probably want to acquire the Sage title. Curiously, the ebook is even more expensive than the print.—Lura Sanborn, St. Paul’s Sch. Lib., NH
History
Curtis, Edward E. IV. Encyclopedia of Muslim-American History. 2 vols. Facts On File. (Library of American History). 2010. 728p. illus. index. ISBN 9780816075751. $195; Online: Infobase eBooks.REF
Curtis (Millennium Chair of the Liberal Arts, Indiana Univ.–Purdue Univ. Indianapolis) has assembled a fascinating and timely resource detailing the history and contributions of Muslim Americans in the United States. More than 300 articles, written by scholars, historians, and experts in Islam and American history, outline the long legacy and impact that Muslim Americans have had since their earliest arrival on slave ships in the 18th century. Familiar names, such as Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Karee Abdul-Jabbar share space with lesser-known but no less interesting Americans such as Job Ben Solomon, a 19th-century slave and, later, free religious scholar, and Farooq Kathwari, CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors and philanthropist. Topics include people, movements, cultural and social issues, law, politics, and religious thought. Signed articles are arranged alphabetically by entry and include references for further reading. An index and a list of entries, as well as cross-references within the text, help with navigation. Monochrome photographs are scattered throughout. BOTTOM LINE A necessary and timely resource to remind us of the vital contributions that Muslim Americans have made to our culture and society since its founding. Unique in its focus, this encyclopedia is recommended for all secondary school, public, and academic libraries.—Amanda Sprochi, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia
The Early Republic and Antebellum America: An Encyclopedia of Social, Political, Cultural, and Economic History. 4 vols. Sharpe Reference: M.E. Sharpe. 2010. 1488p. ed. by Christopher G. Bates. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780765681263. $449; Online: sharpe Online Reference. REF
This four-volume set is the only encyclopedia of American history to focus exclusively on the years between the American Revolution and the Civil War, starting with the signing of the Articles of Confederation in 1781 and ending with the firing upon Fort Sumter by Confederate troops in 1861. Editor Bates (California State Polytechnic Univ.) has chosen an interdisciplinary scope for this work, including not only articles on major historical events and personages during these formative years in the history of the United States but also entries on fine arts, popular culture, and social changes. The encyclopedia begins with longer essays on politics, economics, and foreign affairs, plus a useful piece describing significant events leading up to the Civil War. In addition to almost 500 signed articles, it also features 85 pages of primary documents, a dozen chronologies on specific topics, a topic finder for students, and a glossary. BOTTOM LINE While articles vary in length, quantity of detail, and depth of coverage, this encyclopedia’s scope is distinctive. Its accessible language and plain writing style make it appropriate for high school, academic, and larger public libraries. Recommended, budget allowing.—Martha Hardy, Metropolitan State Univ. Lib., St. Paul
Law & Crime
Kupchik, Aaron. Juvenile Crime. rev. ed. Facts On File. (Library in a Book). 2010. 300p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780816079179. $45; Online: Infobase eBooks. REF
Casual researchers and interested parties should find Ph.D. Kupchik’s (sociology & criminal justice, Univ. of Delaware) revised edition an easy and informative read. The book opens with a history of juvenile crime, causes of crime, and the changing social views of juvenile crime and punishment. Federal legislation and legal precedents set by selected U.S. Supreme Court cases are also explored. Each case history provides a brief synopsis, relevant legal issues, and the impact of the decision on juvenile justice; the major In re Gault case (argued in 1966) is explored in greater detail in Appendix B. Because juvenile law procedures often differ from adult analogs, Chapter 3 explores the current juvenile justice legal process. A description and explanation is given for each step in the legal process from intake and detention through hearings and determination of punishment; legal terms are defined in a 13-page glossary. Other chapters provide a rather useful guide for researching legal cases, while the book’s extensive bibliography (over 50 pages) provides users with many other resources for exploration. Federal resources, both electronic and print, and other online sources as well as resources in the reader’s local library are discussed. BOTTOM LINE A useful starting point for many interested readers, this book would not be out of place in a public library, though it’s most likely be found in an academic library. Buy it if your budget permits.—James Langan, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Sciences
Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior. 3 vols. Elsevier. 2010. c.2672p. ed. by Michael D. Breed & Janice Moore. illus. index. ISBN 9780080453378. $720; Online: Elsevier SciVerse ScienceDirect. REF
The study of animal behavior is fascinating for many reasons, not the least of which is the light it may shine on human action. Here editors Breed (Univ. of Colorado) and Moore (Colorado State Univ.) present more than 300 articles on aspects of animal behavior, the work of 400 contributors from around the world. Each signed article begins with an introduction, then addresses the topic in several pages of detail, including supporting figures. Each article ends with a list of books, journal articles, and websites for further reading, some as recent as 2009. Articles may be based on a broad topic (“bird migration”), a more specific topic (“mating interference due to introduction of exotic species”), a specific animal (“spotted hyenas”), or a person (“Niko Tinbergen”). As articles are arranged alphabetically, the astute reader will consult the subject classification index to find all relevant articles. There are, for example, 29 articles classified under Landmark Studies, and five under Networks—Social. Cross-references and a general index are also provided, as well as a glossary. Breed and Moore contributed to Greenwood Press’s 2004 work by the same name, edited by Marc Bekoff (also Univ. of Colorado). Bekoff called that earlier work unrivaled at the time. Consider the current title a worthy successor, geared perhaps toward a slightly older, more educated reader. BOTTOM LINE Highly recommended for academic and public libraries, including those holding the earlier work of the same title.—Teresa R. Faust, Vermont Dept. of Libs., Berlin
Social Sciences
Reevy, Gretchen M. & others. Encyclopedia of Emotion. 2 vols. Greenwood. 2010. 675p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780313345746. $165; Online: ABC-CLIO eBook Collection. REF
Emotions are tricky: often tied to the experiences that define us, they’re also rarely well understood. Bringing together materials spanning psychology, psychiatry, anthropology, biology, history, literature, and others, this set is intended to serve as a ready-reference volume to help the generalist better understand how emotions factor into modern life. The set begins with an essay penned by Reevy (psychology, California State Univ.; coeditor, Praeger Handbook on Stress and Coping) on the history of emotion as a topic of study, followed by 367 alphabetically arranged entries. These range from “Behavior and Emotion” to “Theory of Mind,” all one to three pages in length; some are accompanied by illustration or fact boxes highlighting statistics, history, or trivia about the subject at hand, while all include See also references. Each volume contains a straight list of entries as well as a list of entries by type (individual, disorders and symptoms, and treatments, for example). The set concludes with three appendixes covering psychopharmacology, organizations, and suggested reading, as well as an index. BOTTOM LINE The entries here provide accessible information about common terms from a unique multidisciplinary perspective—a great overall resource for institutions supporting undergraduate studies in psychology, sociology, communication theory, or many other social sciences.—Samantha Schmehl Hines, Univ. of Montana–Missoula Lib.
Sports & Recreation
Wong, Glenn M. Essentials of Sports Law. 4th ed. Praeger. 2010. 899p. illus. index. ISBN 9780313356759. $94.95; Online: ABC-CLIO eBook Collection. REF
Providing current, accurate information in a comprehensible, minimal-jargon manner, attorney Wong (sports management, Univ. of Massachusetts) reviews for laypersons and legal professionals the U.S. legal system and sports industry from high school through professional sports. The majority of the book concentrates on the relationship between the sports industry and the law. Topics include tort, contract, agency, constitutional, business, antitrust, labor, and criminal law plus drug testing, intellectual property, multimedia, and discrimination. Any legalese is defined within the text or included in the glossary. End notes clarify a statement, provide a traditional end note reference, or summarize a case key to the point under discussion. Not all end notes are referenced within the text. Charts, graphs, and cross-references appear throughout the text, as does an occasional case study and portions of sample forms and contracts. The case index is especially helpful. BOTTOM LINE More detailed than Walter T. Champion’s Sports Law in a Nutshell (4th ed., Thomson/West, 2009) and more general than Gary A. Uberstine’s four-volume Law of Professional and Amateur Sports (West, 2010). Highly recommended for law libraries and libraries supporting amateur and professional sports programs, sports administrators, and sports education curriculum.—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX
