New Book List

December 2003

REFERENCE

The American National Biography, 24 volumes plus 1 supplement

The first new comprehensive biographical dictionary focused on American history to be published in seventy years, and it is the largest reference project ever undertaken by Oxford University Press-USA. In chronological scope, the ANB ranges from the time of the earliest recorded European explorations up to the very recent past. The approximately 17,500 historical figures who are profiled come from virtually all walks of life. The ANB is destined to be the standard reference work of its kind well into the twenty-first century. - from the publisher

The Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment, 4 volumes

Defining the Enlightenment as the "long eighteenth century," the Encyclopedia focuses on the entire range of philosophic and social changes engendered by the Enlightenment. It extends the conventional geographical boundaries of the Enlightenment, covering not only France, England, Scotland, the Low Countries, Italy, English-speaking North America, the German states, and Hapsburg Austria but also Iberian, Ibero-American, Jewish, Russian, and Eastern European cultures. Nor does the Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment limit itself to major centers like Paris in France and Edinburgh in Scotland, but shares the rich lode of recent scholarship on "secondary" and "provincial" centers such as Berlin and Geneva; Philadelphia and Milan. The Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment brings a similar spirit of inclusion to the new theoretical and methodological approaches that have flowered in the humanities during the past two decades. Including feminist and various post-modernist reassessments alongside more traditional perspectives, the four volumes offer the broadest possible range of current knowledge. Accessibility combined with scholarly rigor make the Encyclopedia the first choice for researching any aspect of the Enlightenment. Designed and organized for ease of use, its special features include more than 700 signed articles; annotated bibliographies following each article to guide further study; an extensive system of cross-references; a synoptic outline of contents; a comprehensive topical index providing easy access to networks of related articles; and high quality illustrations, including photographs, line drawings, and maps. - from the publisher

he Encyclopedia of Evolution, 2 volumes

Given the many recent advances in biology and genetics, a comprehensive new reference work on evolution has been greatly needed. This impressive new work fills that gap nicely. Its coverage is much broader than that of previous references, which mainly focused on human evolution; it treats not only theory and the whole range of life forms but also a wide variety of other areas, including developmental biology, social behavior, consciousness, evolution of disease, systematics, population biology, complexity theory, and even art in prehistory. Some biographical articles are also included. The list of advisors and contributors reads like a who's who of biology, including, among others, Stephen Jay Gould, Jane Goodall, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, and John Maynard Smith. Each article is signed and features a selected bibliography. Broad articles serve the novice as an introduction to their fields, but there are highly technical articles for experts as well; the high quality of writing overall makes difficult concepts easier to understand. This is an excellent resource that can also be browsed enjoyably by anyone interested in biology. - Library Journal

The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance

Beginning in the early 14th century and continuing into the 15th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance was a period of intense intellectual and cultural activity, the fruits of which have had a profound impact on the thought, culture, philosophy, painting and sculpture, and writing of Europe and the wider world ever since. Gordon Campbell, with the help of his team of distinguished consultant and advisory editors, has created a unique new A-Z reference surveying all aspects of the Renaissance in Europe. From da Vinci to Dutch law, from gypsies to geometry, this volume contains an immense breadth of information with over 3,000 entries covering an extensive spectrum of topics including art, literature, science, culture, philosophy, religion, economics, history, and conflict. Over half of the entries are biographical, covering artists, architects, garden designers, philosophers, explorers, royalty, cardinals, reformers, statesman, writers, poets, playwrights, soldiers, rebels, woodcarvers, silversmiths, mystics, mathematicians, sculptors, and composers. With 100 stunning black-and-white illustrations, this elegant dictionary is an ideal reference to a period that has had an enduring and important cultural influence. - from the publisher

The Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance, 2 volumes

From ancient Greek theatre to the latest developments in stage design, from the trance-dances of Sumatra to an extensive biography of the legendary actor-manager Eleonore Duse, the Encyclopedia provides unrivaled information across the broad sweep of theatrical activity. The Encyclopedia's inclusive approach encompasses opera and film, dance and radio, and para-theatrical, non-dramatic performances including circuses and carnivals, and parades and public executions--providing truly extensive coverage from ancient Greek theatre to the latest developments in London, Paris, New York, and around the globe. The Encyclopedia pays special attention to non-Western styles through articles on theatre and performance throughout the many countries and traditions of Asia and Africa. Numerous biographical entries cover the lives and work of major figures: actors, playwrights, directors, designer, company managers, and critics. A unique feature of the Encyclopedia is the series of articles on concepts, theories, and critical approaches, ranging from short definitions of terms like catharsis and monologue to more lengthy considerations of farce and tragedy. Race and theatre, the nature of acting, censorship, safety, special effects, and media and performance are all debated. In all, the 4,300 entries by renowned contributors remain accessible in language and approach and take advantage of the theoretical and historiographical developments in the field. The combination of rich detail and accessible language and style make The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance the resource of choice for readers interested in theatre and performance, from occasional playgoers to newspaper critics, students, and scholars. - from the publisher

The Supreme Court of the United States: A Student Companion

Contains information related to many aspects of the Supreme Court, including its structure, history, origins, development, composition, functions, duties, and objectives. In this second edition, content has been expanded and updated to reflect recent rulings and to describe the current status and significance of certain controversial topics, such as abortion and affirmative action. The alphabetically arranged entries tend to fall into one of the following categories: biographies; decisions of the court; core concepts, ideas, and issues; legal terms and phrases; and procedures, practices, and personnel.  Overall, this resource is excellent. Readers will appreciate the balanced, well-researched entries and the book's organization and structure, both of which are very user-friendly. Photographs, several appendixes--one listing relevant Web sites--and an index enhance an already fine reference tool that is highly recommended for all high-school and public libraries. - Booklist

The Congress of the United States: A Student Companion

An alphabetically arranged, illustrated guide to the United States Congress with short essays on such topics as congressional leadership, relations with the President, elections and succession, notable legislation, Capitol buildings, traditions, and more. - from the publisher

The Presidency of the United States: A Student Companion

Students searching for well-written and concise information about all aspects of the executive office will find The Presidency both helpful and easy to use. In addition to lengthy entries covering the political careers of all presidents up to and including Bill Clinton, there are articles on such diverse topics as campaign reform, third parties in American politics, the Electoral College, and the impeachment process. An extensive bibliography will be useful to students who wish to delve more deeply. New in this edition is an overview of African Americans, women, and Hispanic Americans in the executive branch. Black-and-white photographs and numerous appendixes detailing presidential election results, terms, historic sites, and libraries make this compendium an excellent starting point for report research. This series provides an excellent starting point for junior high and high school students doing research and is up-to-date as of the start of the 107th Congress in January 2001. -VOYA

VIDEO

Camera of My Family (18 minutes)

Catherine Hanf Noren, a photographer, author, and member of an upper middle-class German-Jewish family, finds a collection of family photographs and begins a quest for knowledge about her relatives and herself before and during the Nazi era. Her discoveries about four generations and their lives and fates during the years of Nazi domination challenges viewers to examine the causes and destructive consequences of Nazism. Based on the book of the same title by Catherine Hanf Noren.

NONFICTION

The Looniness of the Long-Distance Runner: An Unfit Londoner's Attempt to Run the New York City Marathon from Scratch - Taylor, Russell

Out-of-shape Russell Taylor, nearing 40, begins training for the NYC marathon as something of a midlife crisis. His journey from the treadmill in London via Wales to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway illuminates the meaning of the egalitarian race, the only sport where a weekend jogger can run with world-class champions. For everyone who has contemplated running a marathon or watched from the sidelines, this comical and inspiring account will change their understanding of the legendary race. - from the publisher

Mysteries of History - Stewart, Robert

Examines some of the evidence surrounding intriguing unsolved mysteries, from why the pyramids were built to whether or not there was a conspiracy to kill President John F. Kennedy.

Contents: Why did the pharaohs build the pyramids? -- What was the purpose of Stonehenge? -- Was there a Trojan Horse? -- Why did Rome fall? -- Was there a real King Arthur? -- What happened to the Knights Templars and their gold? -- Did Marco Polo reach China? -- Why was the great Zimbabwe built? -- Did Columbus discover America? -- Was there a real El Dorado? -- What happened to America's "lost colony"? -- How did Japan remain in total isolation from the outside world for more than 250 years? -- Was King George III really mad? -- Was Napoleon poisoned? -- What is the truth behind the myth of the Underground Railroad? -- Why did Custer choose to fight the Battle of the Little Bighorn? -- Why did the Hindenburg crash? -- Did FDR know about Pearl Harbor in advance? -- Who killed John F. Kennedy?

Public Speaking Today - Carlin, Diana

A good how-to text.

FICTION

In Paris for a lecture, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned in the middle of the night to meet the head of the French police at the Louvre. The museum's curator has been found dead in a secure section of the gallery, with a message by his body leading to a baffling series of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. In addition, the curator left a specific message to find Langdon. While the police think Langdon is their culprit, he teams up with a French cryptologist to uncover the truth about the hidden messages. The answers lead to discovery of a shocking historical fact, and certain people will do anything to keep it a secret. Brown solidifies his reputation as one of the most skilled thriller writers on the planet with his best book yet, a compelling blend of history and page-turning suspense. This masterpiece should be mandatory reading. Highly recommended. - Library Journal

Chunky Rice is an anthropomorphic turtle who follows his urge to move on, leaving behind lovesick Dandele, a bug-eyed mouse, and a dreamy longshoreman. Chunky books passage on a barely seaworthy craft piloted by a shady skipper. Conjoined twins Ruth and Livonia are also on board. Back on shore, Dandele sends bottled missives out to sea and the longshoreman's injured pet bird, Merle, heals and regains flight. Thompson presents this bittersweet and engaging story in black-and-white panels that flow and tip into one another, giving the story motion that is reminiscent of the ocean against Chunky's boat and at Dandele's feet. The narrative intersperses past and present so that each character's motives become clear. Solid storytelling is expanded by the images, resulting in a fully realized literary work. The sea captain's posturing is fittingly retrograde and the twins are, by turns, self-exploitive and just plain folks. Chunky, Dandele, the longshoreman, and Merle, however, are unremitting winners. This book will be popular with both inveterate comics readers and those new to graphic literature.- School Library Journal