An inside look at the history, terms, and key players of this world religion.In about 550 A-to-Z entries, Encyclopedia of Islam provides easy access to the terms, concepts, personalities, historical
Evidence that can barely be seen with the naked eye routinely plays a crucial part in the search for-and the conviction of-some of the most dangerous criminals known to society. From the hairs of a d
In 2006, nearly 11 million young people from the ages of 12 to 20 reported using alcohol, and nearly 10 percent of those aged 12 to 17 reported using illicit drugs. Alcohol and drug abuse often start
Engineering scientists in motor vehicle crash investigations use forensic evidence to measure and analyze the variables involved in a car crash. Crashes and Collapses examines forensic cases and inve
Praise for the previous edition:"...recommended for school and public libraries..."—American Reference Books Annual"...[an] accessible reference...much of interest here..."—Booklist"...us
The Vietnam War was one of the most controversial and divisive events in U.S. history since the Civil War. Stretching from approximately 1957 to 1973, this watershed event claimed the lives of thousa
Stories replete with danger, action, and unusual events have been beloved by readers from ancient times to the present day. The new Encyclopedia of Aduenture Fiction covers the very best of this genr
Zora Neale Hurston, one the first great African-American novelists, was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance and an inspiration for future generations of writers. Widely studied in high school li
The highly publicized O.J. Simpson trial helped spark an interest in the application of science to criminal investigations, leading to popular TV shows, books, and movies on the topic. Enrollment in
Once stretching from Vienna in the north to Iraq and Yemen in the south, the Ottoman Empire has played an integral role in the history of Eurasia and the Middle East. The dynamics and complexity of t
Speeches in World History is an impressive compilation of 200 of the world's greatest speeches from all major civilizations and throughout history-arranged in chronological order. Each section of thi
Asteroids and comets are space objects that orbit the Sun. When they enter the Earth's atmosphere, they often make a streak of light known as a meteor, and if they are not burned up in the atmosphere
In the course of a few years, Pakistan has assumed strategic importance on the world stage, acting as both a linchpin in the global war on terrorism and a "swing" state in the ideological conflict be
Covering 6,000 years of history from the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations to the fall of Saddam Hussein and the current war in Iraq A Brief History of Iraq is a comprehensive look at the changing l
Firearms evidence examination and fingerprint comparison have had a long and interesting history. The role of fingerprints in human identification can actually be traced back several thousand years.
An invaluable reference, Encyclopedia of Marine Science explores the principal areas and issues of this core science discipline in more than 600 entries, 20 essays, and more than 200 black-and-white
The encyclopedia features about 600 cross-referenced entries - including more than 175 new to this volume - that reflect the new ways of using information technology and the important social issues t
Fakes and forgeries have existed since humans began creating art and written language. Laws against forgery existed in ancient Egypt, as skilled craftsmen made glass imitations of precious gemstones.
The Earth has experienced many episodes of dramatic climate change over the years. Scientists warn that the planet is currently becoming warmer at a rapid pace and there will be significant consequen
Designed to meet the needs of high school and college students as well as members of the general public seeking clear explanations of basic government and political topics, Encyclopedia of American G
Forensic chemists and toxicologists work with drugs and poisons, but they each start with different evidence. Forensic chemists working in a crime lab must determine if the physical evidence they rec
Blood, Bugs, and Plants explores several core biological areas that have influenced modern forensic science. Entomology ("bugs") is a specialty that uses knowledge about insect life cycles to inform
Praise for the previous editions:"Clearly the best reference work on the subject now available." American Reference Books Annual"Highly recommended for public and academic libraries." Library Journal
Praise for the previous edition:Choice "Outstanding Academic Title, 1999""...accessible and in-depth information..." SciTech Book NewsIt is estimated that more than 75 million food-related illnesses
Praise for the previous edition:"...a first-rate job...Recommended for all libraries." Library Journal, starred review"Recommended..." Choice"...user-friendly and clearly written..." BooklistThe Unit
Hispanic-American literature has a venerable history, but it has never been more important and popular than it is now. Containing more than 250 entries, Encyclopedia of Hispanic-American Literature i
The most comprehensive single-volume reference of its kind, The Facts On File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins, Fourth Edition has been completely updated and expanded and now contains definit
Praise for the previous edition:"...provides a wealth of information...recommended..." Booklist"Highly recommended..." Library Journal"Will definitely help both students and staff members understand
Coastlines offer some of the best scenery and recreation areas, yet they also rank among the most hazardous areas to live. The world's coastline extends for about 273,000 miles, and nearly half of th
Praise for the previous edition:Society of School Librarians International "Honor Book""...user friendly and accessible...a book with tremendous potential usage...Highly Recommended." Library Media C
The issue of censorship remains prevalent in today's society, taking on many different forms-from suppressing individuals' rights to speak freely and read what they choose to curtailing the independe
Volcanic eruptions are some of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena, yet they are also among the most dangerous geological hazards. Eruptions may send blocks of rock, ash, and gas tens of th
Encyclopedia of Ancient Literature contains more than 500 entries on literary topics, works, and writers of the ancient world, from the beginnings to approximately 500 C. E. With coverage that ranges
In recent years, doctors and scientists have made great strides in increasing our knowledge of hundreds of birth defects, and more than 4,000 specific genetic disorders have been identified. Genetic
In approximately 700 A-to-Z entries, Encyclopedia of Buddhism provides easy access to the terms, concepts, personalities, historical events, institutions, and movements that helped shape the history
Praise for the previous edition:"Notable for its large format and attractive design…well written…maps are well chosen and clear…recommended for secondary school or lower-division un
Widely acclaimed as one of the finest short-story writers and known for her acerbic wit, complex themes, and illuminating portrayal of the American South, Flannery O'Connor is a favorite among studen
Ancient Egypt was one of the longest-lasting civilizations the world has known. Today, Egypt plays a vital role in the politics of the Middle East, and learning about its history, economic pressures,
Providing a new perspective on women in the classical world, A to Z of Ancient Greek and Roman Women, Revised Edition includes more than 500 fascinating life stories ranging from pagan Greece in the
A Brief History of the Caribbean is an overview of the historical events that have taken place and shaped the islands of the Caribbean Sea beginning with an account of the indigenous populations befo
