Reference News: New from Greenwood

In an effort to provide "unbiased assessment" of a wide range of controversial topics across a variety of disciplines, Greenwood's new "Battleground" series examines 100 issues that have shaped the nation's past and present. "The books are perfect resources for those wanting to get away from the spin and argument and just get the facts and syntheses and common sense from the experts," says Greenwood Press editorial director Vince Burns. Other than these two current releases, the growing series also includes books on environment; the media; the school system; women, gender, and sexuality; and more.—Ed.

Edited by Barak (sociology, anthropology, & criminology, Eastern Michigan Univ.) and authored by 66 experts on criminal justice, this reference set focuses on the U.S. criminal justice system and all its controversies, with the exceptions of the entries "Guantanamo Detainees," "International Criminal Court," and "South Africa and Post-Apartheid Justice." Ranging in length from 1000 to 5000 words, the 100 signed entries are grouped by broad topic: "Law & Society," "Law Enforcement," "Prosecution, Courts, and Adjudication," "Punishment and Corrections," "Science & Criminal Justice," and "Social Issues, Crime and Justice." Representing a multiplicity of cultural stances, including supposed liberal, moderate, radical, and conservative points of view—all guided by empirical, research-based realities—the entries feature an introduction; historical context; reviews of important dealings, ideas, or persons; summaries of key court cases; future issues and/or possible resolutions; and five to 12 books, articles, and/or web sites for further reading arranged in a single paragraph. Sidebars of interesting aspects, explanations of concepts, and statistical or factual information are used throughout the text, placed to facilitate the visual flow of the page. A selected A-to-Z bibliography at the end of the second volume is of limited use, as there are no subject headings. BOTTOM LINE Suitable for larger public and academic libraries serving students and researchers of controversial topics in criminal justice systems. [Ebook: ISBN 978-0-313-08803-9. $192.50; available through the Greenwood Digital Collection.]—Sara Marcus, Yeshiva Har Torah, Little Neck, NY

Both well-respected faculty members, Walden (economics, North Carolina State Univ.) and Thoms (management, Penn State) are noted for several academic books in their respective fields. In this joint effort, they have carefully chosen qualified academic contributors to address 77 controversial, high-interest topics in business and economics, including blogs, same-sex partner benefits, outsourcing, whistle blowing, universal health care, and big-box retailers. Each A-to-Z entry provides an overview and explanation of the topic, dispels some popular myths, gives examples, and answers commonly asked questions, e.g., why are students targeted by credit card marketers, why are professional athletes paid so much, and what should we do about the uninsured. Unlike other business reference works, this one presents the topics from multiple points of view, forcing readers to look at all sides of an issue. The up-to-date references and lists for further reading encourage readers to pursue the topics in greater depth. The links to related topics tie together the various entries, and the excellent index in the second volume provides easy access to topics. BOTTOM LINE This comprehensive and timely work will appeal to high school and college students, concerned citizens, and virtually everyone in the business world. A welcome addition to any library collection. [Ebook: ISBN 978-0-57356-739-6. $192.50; available through the Greenwood Digital Collection.]—Hazel Cameron, PACCAR Corporate Lib., Bellevue, WA