Berkshire Encyclopedia of World History, 5 vols.D23 2004-021830 0-9743091-0-9 Berkshire encyclopedia of world history The Encyclopedia of World History is a classic single volume work detailing world history. The first through fifth edition were edited by William L. Langer. The Sixth Edition was—by the time of its publication—a much needed updating overseen by Peter N. ; 5v. Title main entry. Ed. by William H. McNeill William Hardy McNeill (born October 31, 1917, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) is a world historian. He is among the world's most respected historians and was Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Chicago. He is retired and, since 2006, a widower. . Berkshire Publishing Group, [c]2005 2221 p. $575.00 This ambitious five-volume reference for high school or general readers tackles a broad field with 538 alphabetically-arranged, signed entries. Prefatory pref·a·to·ry adj. Of, relating to, or constituting a preface; introductory. See Synonyms at preliminary. [From Latin praef material explains the rationale behind selection of themes and topics, e.g. equal weight to the various regions of the world, and prehistory prehistory, period of human evolution before writing was invented and records kept. The term was coined by Daniel Wilson in 1851. It is followed by protohistory, the period for which we have some records but must still rely largely on archaeological evidence to included as part of the scope. Writers were instructed to discuss topics in terms of their global context. What is not explained is the rationale for an alphabetical arrangement rather than a thematic, regional, or chronological arrangement, any of which would have been more cohesive. The thematic listing of entries included at the beginning of each volume is helpful, but readers will need to juggle three volumes to access, for example, the seven entries on transportation. Also helping to unify the contents is a 56-page essay on world history by David Christian David A. Christian (born October 1948), is an American Vietnam war veteran. Although highly decorated for his military service, he is best known for his veteran's advocacy efforts. Military career Christian enlisted in the United States Army at age 17. (history, San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. State U.), and some less extensive "overview" entries. Supplementing the entries are sidebars, quotes, maps, illustrations (b & w), and other features, such as an interesting table showing pronunciation and alternate spellings for a selection of places, people, and terms. Editor-in-chief McNeill (U. of Chicago) is a highly experienced historian, writer, and editor, contributors are academics and independent scholars, all but a few based in the US. |
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