The 20th Century, 1901-2000

From Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to Russian-American inventor of the kinescope Vladimir Zworykin, this ten-volume set, edited by Gorman (Texas State U.), profiles approximately 1300 influential men and women of the 20th century in standardly-formatted alphabetical entries, each of which includes a brief summary of the individual's primary claim to fame; birth and (where applicable) death date and place; other names by which the individual was known; an essay describing the individual's early life, life's works, and significance; and a guide to further readings. It is part of a series that is an expanded and revised version of the ten-volume Dictionary of World Biography. This new edition has expanded coverage of women and ethnic and racial minorities, as well as lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. It also adds sidebars with quotes from primary documents or information such as filmographies. Both geographic and topical coverage is broad, with every continent (except Antarctica) represented and individuals included from such areas as agriculture, anthropology, art, astronomy, aviation and space exploration, banking and finance, chemistry, government and politics, diplomacy, horticulture, genetics, literature, mathematics, music, oratory, peace advocacy, philanthropy, philology, photography, philosophy, public health, publishing, religion and theology, sex research, theater and entertainment, warfare, women's rights, and zoology. Also included are tables listing world rulers and leaders; a chronological list of entries; and category, geographical, personage, and subject indexes. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)