Encyclopedia of Modern Jewish Culture »

Altered so much from its progenitor, The Blackwell Companion to Jewish Culture published in 1989, this two-volume work garners its own title, standing as a new work rather than a second edition and incorporating changes brought about by the demise of the Soviet regime, the interchange of East European and Western scholars, and the availability of previously inaccessible archives. Editor Glenda Abramson (Oxford U.) provides a preface describing the nuances of defining each word of "modern Jewish culture" and determining the scope of the reference. Ranging in length from 200 to 1000 words, biographical and topical entries by an international roster of contributors encompass the humanities, arts, social sciences, sport, and popular culture; longer essays (5000 words) offer context. Entries contain references and cross references, and, usefully, the index affords more detailed access to the contents. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR