Best Reference 2001

The year opened with fallout from a disputed Presidential election, moved quickly though the energy crisis in California to the devastating events of September 11, and ended with the United States trying to restore order in war-torn Afghanistan. While most reference books spend a long time germinating, several on this year's list seem especially timely. CQ's A Statistical History of the American Electorate provides the most thorough and up-to-date account of American elections through 1999. The Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy helps explain why a declining supply of fossil fuels and an increasing demand for electricity were impacting the economy. Academic's Encyclopedia of Genetics brings to light the work of 700 expert authors in a field that is fundamental to all of biology.

Otherwise, the ocean was the theme for three extraordinary books. Academic's Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences includes 400 original articles and 1900 color illustrations; Firefly's World Atlas of the Oceans shows that the bottom of the sea is just as diverse as the land; and the University of California's World Atlas of Coral Reefs describes one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world.

As expected, the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2d ed., drew more publicity than any other source. With 29,499 articles comprising 25 million words spread over 29 volumes, it is indeed a monumental undertaking. Reviewers also waxed ecstatic about two extraordinary reference works on ancient civilizations from Oxford: The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt and The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures.

Finally, this year saw the completion of two superb translation projects: New York University's Encyclopedia of Jewish Life Before and During the Holocaust and Routledge's The Papacy: An Encyclopedia.

The number of independent reference publishers continued to dwindle: French media giant Vivendi Universal acquired Houghton Mifflin; Reed Elsevier PL, the Anglo-Dutch publisher, bought Harcourt General, Inc. and Academic Press; and Greenwood Publishing Group took up Oryx Press and Libraries Unlimited. However, the market is still competitive, as represented by the fine work of the 22 publishers (including six university presses) that made this list.

The total cost of this year's print selections is a whopping $13,174. However, when we exclude the two titles that cost over $1000, the price drops to $6,924, or an average of $247.30 a title, down $2.70 from 2000.

Animal.
DK. 624p. ed. by David Burnie & Don E. Wilson.illus. index. ISBN 0-7894-7764-5. $50.

Published under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, this photographic exploration of the animal kingdom is breathtaking. An internationally recognized team of scientists and photographers have captured the animal world in all its majesty, variety, and violence. Organized by currently accepted scientific classification, information on each animal includes habitat, range, breeding habits, size, and conservation status. The highlight is the color photograph, taken in situ when possible, of each animal. According to the editors, some of these creatures have already disappeared from the wild. This outstanding volume will have universal appeal. (LJ 11/1/01)

Brodo, Irwin M.& others. Lichens of North America.
Yale Univ. 795p. illus. index.ISBN 0-300-08249-5. $69.95.

This massive treatment of lichens has garnered praise throughout the scientific community. Following chapters that explain the biology of these symbiotic flora, over 15,000 lichens are profiled. Identification keys, scientific and common nomenclature, and range maps accompany the entries; 950 stunning color photographs, most taken on location, are included. Unprecedented in its coverage and excellence of treatment, this volume will be the definitive source for years to come. Essential for academic libraries and strongly recommended for public libraries serving naturalists. (LJ 1/02)

Censorship: A World Encyclopedia.
4 vols. Fitzroy Dearborn. 2891p. ed. by Derek Jones. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57958-135-8. $450.

A former editor for British television’s Channel 4, Jones suggests that censorship takes different forms in different settings and times. However, it has some common themes: blasphemy, heresy, obscenity, national security, and sedition. Here he has organized pieces from 600 contributors in 50 countries to examine, for the first time, censorship on a worldwide level, exploring the topic in virtually every country and then dissecting topics from book burning to sexuality and violence. An alphabetical listing of entries, with a thematic list arranged first by country and then by topic.

The Columbia Companion to the Twentieth-Century American Short Story.
Columbia Univ. 660p. ed. by Blanche H. Gelfant. index. ISBN 0-231-11098-7. $80.

Selective in scope but highly readable, this is an original approach to the study of the short story. The first part contains thematic and topical essays that reflect an emphasis on literature that is uniquely American. Covering 166 authors born between the 1860s and the 1960s, the second part is devoted to biographical and critical essays. The comprehensive index of names and titles enables the user to cross-reference the articles as well as find information on writers not listed separately. An exceptional reference for all literature collections. (LJ 3/1/01)

Dictionary of Midwestern Literature. Vol. 1: The Authors.
Indiana Univ. 666p. ed. by Philip A. Greasley. index. ISBN 0-253-33609-0. $59.95.

What do Bruce Catton, Rita Dove, Virginia Hamilton, and Sara Paretsky have in common? They’re all Midwesterners, and they’re featured prominently here. Two other volumes are planned to cover nonauthor entries and to describe the literary history of the Midwest. An excellent introduction explains what the Midwest is both geographically and philosophically. Then, a sterling cast of contributors describe 400 Midwestern authors, examining their major literary works and giving critical commentaries. A 95-page index completes this volume. For every library. (LJ 5/1/01)

Encyclopedia of American Cultural & Intellectual History.
3 vols. Scribner. 2436p. ed. by Mary K. Cayton & Peter W. Williams. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-684-80561-8. $325.

Valuable on its own, this set is the latest entry in Scribner’s 'American Civilization' series. Contributors from many disciplines offer 221 essays arranged around chronological or conceptual themes. The broad coverage is from pre-Colonial times to the Reagan era on topics such as classicism, ethnicity, and womanhood. Prominent sidebars and illustrations explicate and complement the text. Users wishing to take a more systemic approach to a subject can use the extensive index. Highly recommended for large public and academic libraries. (LJ 9/1/01)

Encyclopedia of American Immigration.
4 vols. Sharpe Reference. 1576p. ed. by James Ciment. illus. index. ISBN 0-7656-8028-9. $399.

To quote the editor, 'the history of immigration is the history of America itself.' Exploring this immense topic is a considerable undertaking. It succeeds here as a result of high-quality contributions from 125 specialists and careful organization covering immigration history from pre-1800 to post-1965; immigration issues; the history and impact of each group; and key documents, including the following from an immigrant’s letter of 1818: 'The Americans…are a brave and generous people, well-informed, hospitable, and kind; it would be…the duty of immigrants...not to be the first to lend a hand in disturbing the peace….' (LJ 9/15/01)

Encyclopedia of European Social History from 1350 to 2000.
6 vols. Scribner. 3186p. ed. by Peter N. Stearns. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-684-80582-0. $675.

Early in the 20th century, French historians began reexamining our approach to the study of history by emphasizing the changes and continuities experienced by ordinary people. This approach has expanded worldwide. Beginning with the 14th century, 170 scholars from three continents discuss the social fabric of European history, from cities and urbanization to rural life, from puberty and masturbation to education and literacy, along with 750 photos, drawings, and maps; bibliographies; a chronology; and even a separate biographical volume. An outstanding compilation. (LJ 4/15/01)

Encyclopedia of Genetics.
4 vols. Academic. 2257p. ed. by Sydney Brenner & Jeffrey H. Miller. illus. index. ISBN 0-12-227080-0. $995.

The most comprehensive coverage to date in the field of genetics, this impressive set is likely to be the most authoritative for some time to come. Contributors include pioneers and those at the forefront of genetic research. Ranging in length from definitions to articles of five or more pages, each signed entry is copyrighted by Academic Press. No bibliographies are listed, but there are some suggestions for further reading. Technical in tone and scholarly in approach, the timely set would be an asset to any interested library.

The Encyclopedia of Jewish Life.
3 vols. New York Univ. 1769p. ed. by Shmuel Spector. illus. ISBN 0-8147-9356-8. $395.

This set has been eagerly awaited since December 1998 when the New York Daily News announced that NYU Press would publish an English-language abridged version of the original 30-volume Hebrew edition. It was said to be the most expensive project ever undertaken by NYU Press. The money was well spent; this extraordinary history of a people chronicles the lives, habits, and customs of more than 6500 thriving communities. Based on more than 30 years of research, it involves the work of 80 international contributors and includes more than 600 black-and-white photographs and 17 pages of maps. The pictorial supplement of scenes from the Holocaust reminds us of a world gone awry. (LJ 9/1/01)

Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences.
6 vols. Academic. 3399p. ed. by John H. Steele & others. illus. index. ISBN 0-12-227430-X. $1400.

Since the 1942 publication of the classic reference work The Oceans by Sverdrup, Johnson, and Fleming, there have been many new approaches to the study of the oceans. To the traditional themes of exploration, fishing, warfare, and storms scholars have added articles that address new social and economic issues. From 'autonomous underwater vehicles' (AUVs) to 'viral and bacterial contamination of beaches,' it’s all here in 402 original articles of approximately 3000–4000 words, each written by a leading researcher. The set is beautifully illustrated with more than 1900 figures and illustrations, many in full color. A perfect source for academic and large public libraries. Also available online.

Encyclopedia of the United States in the Nineteenth Century.
3 vols. Scribner. 1705p. ed. by Paul Finkelman. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-684-80500-6. $390.

The third of a projected four sets on U.S. history from Colonial times to the present continues the standard of scholarship and excellence found in the previous works. Covering a period of immense growth and change, the 599 signed articles are arranged alphabetically. Biographical information can be accessed through the excellent index. Extremely useful also is the synoptic outline. Libraries owning the rest of the series will certainly want to acquire it, but it would also be a solid standalone in any high school and academic library. (LJ 4/15/01)

Encyclopedia of the World’s Zoos.
3 vols. Fitzroy Dearborn. 1577p. ed. by Catharine E. Bell. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-57958-174-9. $325.

The increasingly vital role of zoological parks as havens for endangered species makes this three-volume set an important publication. The 400 entries profile 146 selected zoos; 90 articles on animal groups focus on their biology, conservation, and exhibit history. The remainder of the book is devoted to essays on the evolution of the zoo as an institution. The arrangement is alphabetical, with prominent see references and selected bibliographies. This first of a kind work is highly recommended. (LJ 8/00)

Inman, David M. Performers’ Television Credits, 1948–2000.
3 vols. McFarland. 3088p. ISBN 0-7864-1041-8. $255.

Starting in 1948 when major network television broadcasting began, this is the most complete record of persons who appeared on all sorts of TV shows. Inman’s reputation will be greatly enhanced by this extraordinary compilation. (LJ 10/1/01)

Lang, Kenneth R. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun.
Cambridge Univ. 256p. index. illus. ISBN 0-521-78093-4. $50.

We are more intimately linked with the sun than any other object in our galaxy, and it is important to understand the relationship between Earth and the sun that allows life itself to flourish. This is the best one-volume guide to our nearest star. Over the past decade modern spacecraft have revealed more information about the sun than the entire previous century of observation. Lang describes the sun’s physical characteristics, its place in the universe, and its past and future, winds, and solar missions. Spectacular color photographs, a directory of web sites, and a glossary complete this outstanding volume.

Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy.
3 vols. Macmillan. 1270p. ed. by John Zumerchik. illus. index. ISBN 0-02-865021-2. $350.

Aimed at nonspecialists who want current information about 'all aspects of energy,' this three-volume set includes 253 signed articles by 170 contributors. Article headings range from 'Bicycles' to 'Space Energy Systems' and cover energy production and use at all levels. Each article ends with a summary, cross references, and a source list. Most useful, perhaps, are the discussions of alternatives to and modifications of current energy sources. Ongoing environmental, economic, and geopolitical concerns about fossil fuels make this set appropriate for most libraries. (LJ 9/15/01)

McGonigal, David & Lynn Woodworth. Antarctica and the Arctic: The Complete Encyclopedia.
Firefly. 608p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-55297-545-2. $60 with CD-ROM.

A seamless integration of illustration and text draws the reader into the world of the polar extremes. Disciplines covered are climatology, geophysics, ecology, exploration, flora and fauna, and adaptations for human life in frigid environments. Though there is an emphasis on Antarctica, there are numerous elucidating comparisons between the two regions. Appended is a fully searchable CD-ROM with even more stunning illustrations. With the recent spate of titles on polar exploration and the ongoing debate about environmental issues, this is a solid addition to circulating as well as reference collections in all libraries. (LJ 12/01)

The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
29 vols. Grove’s Dictionaries of Music. 26,641p. ed. by Stanley Sadie. illus. index. ISBN 1-56159-239-0. $4850.

George Grove, who once built bridges and lighthouses in Victorian England, is now principally remembered for his Dictionary of Music and Musicians, the first edition of which appeared in four volumes between 1879 and 1889. The first New Grove appeared in 1980 and since that time has been considered the primary music reference source for professional musicians and researchers. The latest edition adds nine million words in nine additional volumes, mainly expanding coverage of 20th-century composers, popular music, and 'postmodern' entries on topics like feminism, sexuality, and women in music. An online version is also available as a subscription. (LJ 3/15/01)

The New Oxford American Dictionary.
Oxford Univ. 2023p. ed. by Elizabeth J. Jewell & Frank Abate. illus. ISBN 0-19-511227-X. $50.

Using Oxford’s 200 million–word databank of English, the editors have created a completely new American English dictionary, which contains more that 250,000 definitions with clear pronunciations and useful syllable breaks along with 9000 biographical and geographical entries. In a departure from other dictionaries, it focuses on the 'central and typical.' The end result is fewer meanings but crisper, clearer definitions and examples. One hopes The New Oxford inspires a new generation of user-friendly dictionaries. (LJ 10/15/01)

Ochoa, George. Atlas of Hispanic-American History.
Facts On File. 214p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8160-3698-5. $85; pap. ISBN 0-8160-4129-6. $24.95.

This cultural atlas chronicles the history and lives of generations of Hispanics ('Hispanic Americans') living in the United States. Covering the explorers of the 16th century to the vast waves of immigrants since, it tells a complex tale—beautifully done with photographs, maps, line illustrations, and graphs. There is good reason for all Americans to learn more about this ethnic group since in the 1990s they became the United States’ largest minority, now totaling 35.3 million people or 12.5% of the population. An excellent reference book for students at all levels.

Organizing Black America: An Encyclopedia of African American Associations.
Garland. 768p. edited by Nina Mjagkij. illus. index. ISBN 0-8153-2309-3. $125.

Covering organizations that have had an influence on the African American experience, this compilation of 576 entries signed by 184 contributors includes the history, organization, size, and aims of each group. Information on important individuals can be accessed through the index. Several years in the making and unique in its coverage, this important book belongs in public and academic libraries, especially those serving an African American population.

The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare.
Oxford Univ. 541p. ed. by Michael Dobson & Stanley Wells. illus. ISBN 0-19-811735-3. $60.

Written to complement rather than critique the works of Shakespeare, this erudite but immensely readable volume is an essential addition to the Oxford Shakespeare. The more than 3000 articles range from Shakespeare’s contemporaries and influences to stage and screen interpretations of his plays. Individual entries for each play give analysis as well as historical context and performance history. Coverage of Shakespeare’s poetry can be found under poem titles as well as in broad entries (like 'sonnets'). Bibliographic citations are current enough to include 2001 copyrights. Authoritative yet succinct, this belongs in any library serving Shakespeare students and scholars. (LJ 10/15/01)

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt.
3 vols. Oxford Univ. 1880p. ed. by Donald B. Redford. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-19-510234-7. $450.

Designed to provide both the first comprehensive English-language encyclopedia of the subject and to reflect the state of scholarship, this winner of the Dartmouth Medal succeeds admirably. No other book on ancient Egyptian civilization has this title’s authority or inclusiveness. All aspects of life are presented in signed articles; differing opinions among specialists are offered. Necessary for academic collections, this would also be a valuable asset to public libraries. (LJ 12/00)

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures.
3 vols. Oxford Univ. 1385p. ed. by David Carrasco. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-19-510815-9. $395.

The first comprehensive treatment of the civilizations located between central Mexico and Costa Rica since 1976. Covering the period from 900 B.C.E. to the present and reflecting recent archaeological and linguistic advances, renowned scholars in a variety of disciplines trace these ancient peoples from their beginnings through their encounters with European and African arrivals. Entries include excellent annotated bibliographies of secondary sources as well as current locations for primary materials. Unparalleled in scope and authority, this marvelous set belongs in academic and special collections. (LJ 4/15/01)

The Papacy: An Encyclopedia.
3 vols. Routledge. 1780p. ed. by Philippe Levillian. index. ISBN 0-415-92228-3. $395.

This translation of the French Dictionnaire historique de la papauté, published in 1994 by Librairie Arthème Fayard, has been revised, expanded, and updated. It covers not only all of the popes (and antipopes) from St. Peter to John Paul II but also explores the papacy as an institution. The more than 200 contributors come from all parts of the globe. To quote LJ’s reviewer, 'this encyclopedia should become the standard source.' (LJ 1/02)

Rusk, Jerrold G. A Statistical History of the American Electorate.
CQ. 708p. index. ISBN 1-56802-364-2. $75; pap. ISBN 1-56802-363-4. $45.

Fresh on the heels of the 'hanging chad' disputes in the 2000 presidential election comes this exciting new compilation of U.S. electoral statistics, seven years in the making. Here Rusk (political science, Univ. of Illinois) hoped to achieve accuracy, comprehensiveness, and analytical insight into the behavior of the American electorate from 1788 to 1999. He has uncovered significant errors in previously reported election results, i.e., errors of commission and omission, vote count errors, and failure to report data and provides previously unreported data for presidential and house elections prior to 1824. This is certain to be in demand.

Schneider, Elizabeth. Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini: The Essential Reference.
Morrow. 777p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-688-15260-0. $60.

A trip to the produce section is a lot more exciting these days. There, alongside standard fare, are bok choy (leafy greens, sometimes referred to as Chinese cabbage), crosne (Japanese artichokes imported from France), and Shepherd’s purse (small flat rosettes with leaves like a dandelion). Schneider describes 350 vegetables, both exotic and common. Each entry is accompanied by a full-color photo, common and botanical names, and a veritable 'biography' based on discussions with scientists, growers, distributors, and chefs. She even includes contemporary recipes. Food critics are ecstatic about this tome.

Slade, Joseph W. Pornography and Sexual Representation: A Reference Guide.
3 vols. Greenwood. 1264p. bibliog. ISBN 0-313-27568-8. $295.

In an interview Slade has commented that pornography is a $4.3 billion industry that includes dozens of genres. In this excellent reference source, Slade, an acknowledged expert, describes the history of pornography and examines theoretical works and major research collections; focuses on sexual performance and gender in art, photography, motion pictures, and electronic media; and examines the role pornography plays in contemporary society. This is the most detailed exploration of the topic in print. For academic and large public libraries.

Spalding, Mark D. & others. World Atlas of Coral Reefs.
Univ. of California. 424p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-520-23255-0. $45.

Compiled at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Center, this atlas offers the most comprehensive and current information of the state of the world’s coral reefs. For each locality there is a map of the area showing size and scope and any portions with protected status. Most captivating are the commissioned photographic images and the space imagery provided by NASA. For science reference as well as circulating collections. (LJ 1/02)

World Atlas of the Oceans.
Firefly. 264p. illus. index. ISBN 1-55209-585-1. $50.

With appeal for a wide audience, this new atlas is a standout. It makes available for the first time the important GEBCO (General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans) maps—the result of an international effort to chart the ocean’s elevations with the same detail and accuracy used to map the continents. However, this is much more than a compilation of maps; every aspect of oceanography, from geologic development to biology, exploration, commerce, and current issues, is explored. Highlighting the whole is an amazing collection of photographs. Informative, reliable, and visually stunning, this book belongs in all public, school, and undergraduate collections.