Encyclopedia of the Developing World » (New Edition)

A RUSA 2007 Outstanding Reference Title

The Encyclopedia of the Developing World is a comprehensive work on the historical and current status of developing countries. Containing more than 750 entries, the Encyclopedia encompasses primarily the years since 1945 and defines development broadly, addressing not only economics but also civil society and social progress. Entries cover the most important theories and measurements of development; relate historical events, movements, and concepts to development both internationally and regionally where applicable; examine the contributions of the most important persons and organizations; and detail the progress made within geographic regions and by individual countries.

Library Journal

Leonard (history, Univ. of North Florida), along with 250-plus contributors from around the globe, has compiled a three-volume set on developing countries. The 800-plus A-to-Z entries are signed and contain bibliographies and further reading suggestions as well as See and See Also references. Country-focused or thematic in nature, the entries range from one to six pages in length and detail developments from 1945 forward. In addition to basic statistical and geographical information, country-focused entries detail history, economy, and political situation. Thematic entries cover people (e.g., Jomo Kenyatta), historical topics (e.g., colonialism), economic and government models (e.g., communism), the environment (e.g., water) and organizations (e.g., WTO). Although much of the information in the shorter articles could also be found in other general encyclopedias, a recent Europa World Yearbook, or other country-specific handbooks, the longer articles and topical entries certainly make this a worthwhile package. Bottom Line Libraries owning the less expensive 2002 Encyclopedia of the World's Nations, the 2004 Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations, or such country- or area-specific resources as the Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East & North Africa may find this set unnecessary. Otherwise, it is a suitable purchase for school, academic, and public libraries.-L. Sanborn, St. Paul's Sch. Lib., NH Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.