Reference Reviews, August 2011
Aug 15, 2011| In this Article |
| Short Takes |
CAREERS
Marquis Who’s Who, Inc. Who’s Who in Corporate America 2011. Marquis Who’s Who. 2011. 1323p. ed. by Patricia Delli Santi & Alison Perruso. ISBN 9780837935751. $389. Online: Marquis Biographies Online REF
The Marquis “Who’s Who” publications are the standard for finding information about people in art, medicine, finance, science, and engineering in various geographic regions in the United States and around the world. Edited by Santi and Perruso (who previously oversaw Who’s Who in America 2009), this first edition of corporate America listings provides A-to-Z biographical information on 30,000 executives as provided by the executives or their companies, including full name, mailing address, email, phone, career history, board of directorships, and more. The online version has 50,000 entries, with additional subjects added daily. A key to abbreviations used in the entries opens the volume, and the index of company names includes the names of the executives listed. BOTTOM LINE Much of this information can be obtained through an Internet search or using resources such as LexisNexis Academic, Mergent, Hoovers, and Gale’s Business & Company Resource Center, to name just a few. However, this guide enables users to kick-start their research by providing a single source for locating the name of company executives. A useful addition to small academic, two-year college, and public libraries.—Diane Fulkerson, Univ. of South Florida Polytechnic, Lakeland
ECONOMICS
Tenney, Sarah & Norman K. Humphreys. Historical Dictionary of the International Monetary Fund. 3d ed. Scarecrow. (Historical Dictionaries of International Organizations). 2011. 416p. bibliog. ISBN 9780810867901. $99. REF
Former IMF staffers Tenney and Humphreys have updated this dictionary, which begins with a four-page list of acronyms and abbreviations, followed by a chronology of the Fund from 1944 to 2009. Next, a 37-page narrative focuses on topics such as par values, the gold standard, and the structure and services of the IMF. The dictionary entries that follow range in length from a paragraph to several pages and address subjects that are specific to the organization and its functions. The volume concludes with a short statistical appendix and a substantial bibliography. Users could locate much of the information contained in the narrative and appendixes in a variety of free online sources, starting with the IMF’s own website (www.imf.org), which offers both an overview and an excellent historical account of the organization, plus an extensive array of statistics. Many of the definitions of terms specific to the IMF can be found in general economics dictionaries, both in print (Oxford Dictionary of Economics) and online (the subscription-based New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics). BOTTOM LINE Because of its narrow focus, this dictionary should be considered only for international economics collections in large academic libraries. Although well written and informative, it is a niche work with two main uses: as a supplement to other sources regarding the IMF or as a starting point for more detailed research.—Jennifer Michaelson, Cleveland
EDUCATION
Educators Resource Directory 2011/12. 9th ed. Sedgwick: Grey House. 2011. 600p. ed. by Richard Gottlieb. index. ISBN 9781592377435. pap. $145. Online: Grey House GOLD database REF
Containing information for and about education and educators, this volume is divided into three major sections, together comprising 21 chapters and 6000-plus entries. Editor Gottlieb (president, Grey House Pub.) largely focuses on U.S. education, but some information related to Canada and other countries is provided. Section 1: Resources includes 13 major lists of, for example, associations and organizations, conferences and trade shows, consultants, teaching opportunities abroad, and financial resources. Most of these feature numerous subdivisions, and all of them provide current contact information. Section 2: Statistics and Rankings includes ten sets of statistical charts (many with subsections) on educational attainment, libraries and educational technology, opinions on education, and more. Indexes by entry and publisher, geography, and subject close the work. Preceding all the sections is an executive summary of President Obama’s Race to the Top Program, which aims to reward grants to schools with demonstrated student achievement. BOTTOM LINE This handy tool, appropriate for larger public and academic libraries as well as school districts, will be highly valuable to those writing education grants, but the digital version is the superior choice. Libraries that own the tenth edition may not need to update right away.—Lura Sanborn, St. Paul’s Sch., Concord, NH
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Cancer Sourcebook. 6th ed.Omnigraphics. (Health Reference). 2011. 1121p. ed. by Karen Bellenir. index. ISBN 9780780811454. $95. Online: Credo, ebrary, Gale, MyiLibrary, NetLibrary, OverDrive REF
Editor Bellenir (Cancer Sourcebook for Women) has divided this sixth edition of sourced material into five parts with 78 chapters. Users will find coverage of risk cancer factors and prevention, common types of the disease, related tests and treatments, recurrent and advanced cancer, and research. The last part, “Additional Help and Information,” provides a glossary, a list of national organizations offering cancer-related services, advice on how to find local resources, and information on online fraud related to cancer. The short chapters contain documents and excerpts from trusted, authoritative sources, mostly U.S. government agencies and cancer-related organizations. BOTTOM LINE This work is recommended for libraries that own the earlier editions or other books from the “Health Reference” series, though as it is mainly consumer material those seeking a resource geared toward high school or college students may want to consider The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer (Gale, 2010).—Rebecca Raszewski, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.
HISTORY
Hoover, William D. Historical Dictionary of Postwar Japan. Scarecrow. (Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania & the Middle East). 2011. c.423p. bibliog. ISBN 9780810854604. $95. Online: NetLibrary, Overdrive, MyiLibrary, EBL, & Questia REF
Written for general readers in high school and academic libraries, this contains more than 500 entries on key people, organizations, activities, and events, with a minimum of Japanese terms and expressions. Names are entered in the Japanese fashion of family name first, although organizations and other groups are entered using the English name followed by the Japanese one and often by Japanese characters. A professor of Japanese history for more than 40 years, Hoover prefaces the dictionary entries with a map, a lengthy and detailed chronology from 1945 through 2010, and a list of abbreviations and acronyms. Bolded cross-references where appropriate will assist readers in easily finding more information on a desired topic. A list of prime ministers from 1945–2010 and 13 tables, charts, and graphs covering various issues in Japan close the presentation. BOTTOM LINE This is a valuable, unbiased starting point for finding brief information quickly.—Sara Rofofsky Marcus, Queensborough Community Coll. Lib., Bayside, NY
Horvitz, Leslie Alan & Christopher Catherwood. Encyclopedia of War Crimes and Genocide. rev. ed. 2 vols. Facts On File. 2011. 346p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780816080830. $150. Online: Infobase eBooks REF
Freelance writer Horvitz and Royal Society Fellow Catherwood (Churchill’s Folly) offer a brief but thorough examination of humans’ mistreatment of one another during the modern era. This edition has been expanded from one to two volumes and contains at least 50 new entries for a total of more than 500. While much of the set discusses Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, the coverage also encompasses human rights violations in Uganda, Vietnam, the Soviet Union, Japan, and the United States (one entry discusses whether or not the government’s actions in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp constitute a war crime). Although the quarter- to five-page entries tackle difficult subjects, they are accessible, and the authors do a respectable job of remaining politically neutral throughout. The brief biographical entries present what the subjects did to become notorious, the outcomes of their actions, and whether they are still alive. A few of those discussed (e.g., Louise Arbor, Simon Wiesenthal) have been notable in their fight for human rights. Some entries include bolded cross-references. Appendixes in Volume 2 present the text of selected documents such as the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the UN’s Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the Nuremberg laws. BOTTOM LINE A useful resource for anyone beginning research on human rights violations. While academic libraries will probably find the set most valuable, public libraries might also be interested.—James Langan, Univ. of Pittsburgh Lib. at Johnstown
PERFORMING ARTS
Kabatchnik, Amnon. Blood on the Stage, 1950–1975: Milestone Plays of Crime, Mystery, and Detection: An Annotated Repertoire. Scarecrow. 2011. c.684p. index. ISBN 9780810877832. $125. Online: NetLibrary, Overdrive, MyiLibrary, EBL, & Questia REF
This third entry in the retired Stanford theater professor’s “Blood on the Stage” series is preceded by volumes on 1900–1925 and 1925–1950 (Scarecrow, 2008 and 2009, respectively). Not intended as an anthology, this is a chronological guide to notable plays from the period. Along with a plot synopsis, Kabatchnik gives a brief history of the play, including interesting circumstances of its creation, its critical reception, its later performances and film adaptations, and a biography of the playwright(s). His definition of “plays of crime, mystery, and detection” is surprisingly broad, listing obvious choices—mysteries such as Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (1952) and courtroom dramas like Meyer Levin’s Compulsion (1957)—but also two adaptations of Dracula, musicals (Lionel Bart’s 1960 Oliver!), and “literary” works (Arthur Miller’s 1953 The Crucible). BOTTOM LINE The book’s wide scope and context make it useful for research; its clear and straightforward writing engaging for casual perusal. While the range could prove aggravating to a theater troupe in search of a genre play to perform, the entries are concise enough to browse easily, and the variety offers up surprises that a simple Internet search might miss.—Robert Mixner, Bartholomew Cty. P.L., Columbus, IN
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Beary, Brian. Separatist Movements: A Global Reference. CQ Pr. 2011. 370p. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781604265699. $142. Online: CQ Press Electronic Library REF
Freelance journalist Beary provides an unbiased look at 59 movements. Some, like the Kurds and Quebecois, are well-known efforts, whereas others—the Maori and Hungarians—are off most people’s radars. The book is organized by continent, then alphabetically by movement title (state or country is also indicated). The introduction to each entry includes a table summarizing motivating factors, population, and other details for ease of comparison. Each entry includes a section on the group’s history, leadership, and current status along with suggested further readings. Maps of each region are included, as is a section of excerpts from international legal instruments discussing self-determination that are often cited by separatist groups. A comprehensive bibliography is sorted by type—academic articles, books, databases, journalistic articles, and reports. An in-depth index enables quick location of desired information. BOTTOM LINE Though Beary presents a succinct overview of each movement, those completing in-depth research will need to do additional work to locate sufficient information.—Sara Rofofsky Marcus, Queensborough Community Coll. Lib., Bayside, NY
RELIGION
Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Zondervan. 2011. c.864p. ed. by Glen G. Scorgie & others. ISBN 9780310290667. $39.99. REF
Scorgie (theology, Bethel Seminary) and Simon Chan, Gordon T. Smith, and James D. Smith III’s impressive and well-researched volume assembles 34 articles and almost 700 dictionary entries signed by an international group of scholars. The first section presents six- to seven-page entries on topics such as spiritual theology, human personhood, education and spiritual formation, and liturgical spirituality. Also included are articles describing the history of Christian spirituality from 100 C.E. to the present. Each article is followed by a bibliography and a further-reading list. The second section is a dictionary with entries on a broad variety of subjects: biblical figures, popes, mystics, saints, philosophers, spiritual leaders, and educators, as well as concepts and areas of concern including poverty, humanism, suffering, vows, the Kingdom of God, and peace. Dictionary entries conclude with cross-references and a further reading list. Scorgie’s intended audience is the evangelical community, but the wide scope of material covers foundational areas of interest that will appeal to people along the spectrum of Christianity. BOTTOM LINE This clear, understandable text with its singular features and perspective deserves a place alongside Philip Sheldrake’s The New Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality (Westminster John Knox Press, 2005) and Arthur Holder’s The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010). Valuable for educators, clergy, students, and general readers; highly recommended for academic, seminary, large public, and church libraries.—Jackie Parascandola, Columbia Univ. Libs., New York
SCIENCES
Encyclopedia of Environmental Issues. 2d ed. 4 vols.Salem. 2011. 1584p. ed. by Craig W. Allin. illus. maps. ISBN 9781587657351. $495. Online: Salem Science REF
Editor Allin (political science, Cornell; Politics of Wilderness) has completely revised the text of this alphabetically arranged work (the first edition was published in 2000). There are 300 additional articles and an additional volume, and some of the original 450 entries have been revised. The selection of articles is wide-ranging: concepts, biographies, disasters, geographic areas, court cases, legislation, and agencies. The titular issues are expressed in the set’s topic choices and judicious coverage, especially in the pieces listed in the Category Index under activism and advocacy. The material has a global scope, though Allin and most of the academic contributors are from the United States. Entries are accompanied by further-reading lists, which have been updated but unfortunately still lack website recommendations. As in the previous edition, the many photographs are black and white, but many are now more illustrative. There are new maps; large, new diagrams of land forms such as Major Watersheds of South America; and new drawings of, for instance, the Hydrologic Cycle. Articles are 300–3000 words long, and each opens with a category listing (Energy and Energy Use, Weather and Climate) and an explanation of the item’s significance, a novel, valuable addition. There are frequent charts and interesting sidebars. BOTTOM LINE This set will appeal to high school through graduate students and to general readers. Compare carefully with Gale’s forthcoming Environmental Encyclopedia (4th ed.).—Janice Dunham, John Jay Coll. Lib., CUNY
Bachmann, Talis & others. Experimental Phenomena of Consciousness: A Brief Dictionary. rev ed.Oxford Univ. 2011. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 9780195393774. pap. $29.95. REF
Although still bearing its 2007 copyright, this landmark concept lexicon by Bachmann (Psychophysiology of Visual Masking) and Bruno Breitmeyer, and Halek Ögmen (coauthors, Visual Masking) incorporates advances in consciousness research and its evaluative measures. Multiparagraph entries are alphabetized by recognized visual, auditory, or perceptual phenomenon name. Included are descriptions of experiences and experimental models, often with in-text citations. Extensive bibliographic references follow each entry. Illustrative images are presented when relevant. Scholarly in nature, this remains the principal, one-stop guide to consciousness-related concepts and experimental standards relevant to the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and even philosophy.
Cooper, John Michael & Angela R. Mace. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: A Research and Information Guide. 2d ed.Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group. (Music Bibliographies). 2011. 277p. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780415802413. $150. REF
Originally compiled by Cooper (Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ Symphony) in 2001, this complete research guide has been expanded by Mace (Mendelssohn Perspectives, forthcoming, 2011) to incorporate 300 new scholarly tracts. Chapters have been reordered to ease source location, and an appendix of Internet resources has been added. Divided into six major thematic segments, the book includes general surveys, memoirs, and primary-source material, along with documentary inventories. Resources, which include conference proceedings, print essays, and online articles, are often annotated, offering succinct content exegeses. An essential guide for Mendelssohn scholars and highly valuable for musicologists of the Romantic period.
Damp, Dennis V. The Book of U.S. Government Jobs: Where They Are, What’s Available, and How To Complete a Federal Résumé. 11th ed.Bookhaven. 2011. 308p. illus. index. ISBN 9780943641294. pap. $27.95. REF
A three-time Benjamin Franklin Award finalist, this title remains an essential guide to securing well-paying federal positions. Incorporating newly implemented hiring reforms, Damp’s (Post Office Jobs) 11 chapters offer highly detailed instruction on where to locate and how to apply for federal jobs. Featuring tips for interview and exam performance, the accessible text presents instructive narratives and helpful sidebar hints. The chapter on effective federal résumé construction is vital. Other chapters clarify the qualifications necessary for securing positions with the police, the postal service, and the homeland security administration.
Dementia. 3 vols.Praeger. (Brain, Behavior, and Evolution). 2011. 823p. ed. by Patrick McNamara. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780313384349. $154.95. REF
In an effort to further advance the expanding area of dementia studies, McNamara (Neuroscience of Religious Experience) brings together 31 carefully researched essays by 50 subject specialists. In three volumes, “History and Incidence,” “Science and Biology,” and “Treatments and Developments,” new research is revealed, including nonpharmacological approaches to treatment and even a new genetic diagnosis for Nietzsche. Closing with extensive bibliographic references, essays are scholarly, geared toward field specialists and not readily accessible to lay readers. A valuable reference for psychiatrists and neurobiologists.
The Grey House Homeland Security Directory 2011. 7th ed.Grey House. 2011. 1026p. ed. by Laura Mars-Proietti. illus. index. ISBN 9781592375813. pap. $195. REF
Last updated in 2009, this fully updated edition now boasts 5,257 listings, with 11,213 executive contacts. Mars-Proietti (America’s Top-Rated Cities) divides the book into four segments, offering contact information for federal offices, state officials, private-sector contractors, and industry resources. Subdivided into various alphabetized offices, the federal segment presents mailing and web addresses, brief descriptions of office purview, and officials’ phone numbers. The state agency and private company segments follow the same pattern. Three alphabetized indexes close the book. Useful for organizations or individuals required to interface with federal and state homeland security offices.<
McGuire, Charles Edward & Steven E. Plank. Historical Dictionary of English Music ca. 1400–1958. 3 vols.Scarecrow. (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts). 2011. 341p. bibliog. ISBN 9780810857506. $90. REF
McGuire (Music and Victorian Philanthropy) and Plank (Choral Performance) identify the composers, publishers, venues, movements, companies, genres, and major works from England’s Renaissance to rock’s infancy. A six-page opening chronology depicts the 550-year span more as a succession of monarchs than of landmark musical developments and the 19-page “select” bibliography is disappointingly small for such an expansive subject. However, the alphabetized entries are accessible and fully cross-referenced and in a field of period-specific monographs, this is the first book to embrace such a broad span of musical history.
Morris, James M. & Patricia M. Kearns. Historical Dictionary of the United States Navy. 2d ed.Scarecrow. (Historical Dictionaries of War, Revolution, and Civil Unrest). 2011. 537p. bibliog. ISBN 9780810872295. $125. REF
Updating their 1998 first edition, Morris (Readings in American Military History) and Kearns (head, bibliographic control, Earl Gregg Swem Library) define the people, ships, planes, locations, munitions, navigation systems, technical terms, and actions shaping the U.S. Navy since Colonial times. Preceding the 600 succinct, fully cross-referenced, paragraph-long entries is a helpful listing of acronyms, ship types, and a naval chronology, which locates branch origins in mid-1775. A 12-page introduction offers an essay-style overview of naval history, subdivided by major engagement. A 45-page bibliography, divided chronologically by conflict, offers a vital springboard to additional research. Essential for naval historians.
Tomlinson, Alan. The Atlas of Sports: Who Plays What, Where, and Why. Univ. of California. 2011. 144p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780520268241. pap. $21.95. REF
In four segments, Tomlinson (Sport and Leisure Cultures) describes sports politics; major and minor sport categories; their economic impact; and alphabetized, by-country sketches of favored national sports. The balanced presentation of sport’s positive and negative ramifications gives depth and social conscience to the survey. For example, a segment on merchandising offers images of southeast-Asian child laborers and details their plight. The innovative layout is visually appealing and eases comprehension. Sidebar definitions and figure profiles assist in clarifying concepts while graphs and charts help to quantify issue specifics.—Savannah Schroll Guz, formerly with Smithsonian Libs., Washington, DC
