From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up—This comprehensive work covers the conflict's "traditional dates" of 1337–1453 with more than 250 alphabetically arranged entries, approximately 104 of which are biographies. The introductory material contains a useful preface describing the scope of the book and the criteria for inclusion; a general chronology; a guide to entries and related topics; and a series of clear, reproducible black-and-white maps. The major battles are covered, as are such topics as artillery, siege warfare, and propaganda. Entries on battles and other events provide background information, detailed descriptions, and summaries of their significance. Biographical entries include particularly extensive see-also references. All entries conclude with a list of further readings. The appendixes contain a chronological list of battles; a list of monarchs, popes, and nobles; and a description of the counties, duchies, and regions of France. Also included is a fascinating annotated list of primary sources—mostly English—and an extensive bibliography. The black-and-white illustrations are few but well chosen. The war is covered in multivolume reference sets like Joseph R. Strayer's Dictionary of the Middle Ages (Scribner's, 1989), but not in this depth. This work will fill a gap in reference collections.—Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
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From Booklist
Concentrating on the years from 1337 to 1453, this encyclopedia is intended "for students and other nonspecialists who have an interest--but little background--in this period of European history." Author Wagner is a history professor at Arizona State University, and the work demonstrates both his grasp of this complicated period in European history and his understanding of the needs of undergraduate students. More than 250 entries cover people, places, events, and other topics and average about 750 words in length. Plenty of see references guide novice researchers. The language is clear and concise, resulting in detailed but not overwhelming information. The quality of the individual entries also makes them useful for more advanced students needing a refresher.
Each entry includes see also references as well as suggestions for further reading. Few of the entries, however, reference the appendixes located at the end of the volume. For example, the article Papacy and the Hundred Years War does not reference appendix 4, a listing of popes from 1294 to 1455, which could be very useful in understanding this complicated subject. A variety of images are scattered throughout the text, mostly in the longer articles. All are black and white, but the reproductions are of such high quality, color is rarely missed.
The volume has several extras that will be useful for students and librarians. In particular, the "Guide to Related Topics" groups entries by popular research-paper topics such as politics, women, and economics, in addition to people and places. For example, "Burgundy" lists entries on the Treaty of Amiens, the Anglo-Burgundian alliance, Anne of Burgundy, and all the various kings and dukes of Burgundy. Other useful features include genealogies, chronologies, maps, and an annotated listing of selected readings. Highly recommended for academic and large public libraries. Jessica Moyer
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Friday, September 12, 2008
