Reference Resources: Encyclopedias

AccessScience
This is the enhanced online version of the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. Updated as needed, the database contains over 70,000 full-length articles and over 115,000 term definitions.
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Alcohol And Temperance In Modern History: A Global Encyclopedia
Alcohol and Temperance in Modern History (2003) offers coverage of the history of alcohol production and consumption, including attitudes in various countries and religions, rituals, artistic treatments, regulation, and research.
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American History Through Literature, 1820-1870
Presents over 250 entries on the relationship between history and literature during the 50-year period that "witnessed the birth of a truly American literature." Published in print form as a three-volume set in 2005. You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
Purchase was made possible by the Lois Ferguson and Fred Carrington Cole Endowment.
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American History Through Literature, 1870-1920
Presents over 250 entries on the relationship between history and literature during the 50-year period from the years following the Civil War through World War I. Published in print form as a three-volume set in 2005. You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
Purchase was made possible by the Lois Ferguson and Fred Carrington Cole Endowment.
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Ancient Europe, 8,000 BC To AD 1,000; Encyclopedia Of The Barbarian World
Occupying two volumes in printed form, this ebook (2004) offers articles on early European civilization, from prehistoric origins through the early Middle Ages. You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
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Brill's New Pauly -- Encyclopedia Of The Ancient World
This work-in-progress is the English-language edition of Der Neue Pauly, the authoritative encyclopedia of the ancient world, with a focus on Greco-Roman antiquity and its long and influential aftermath.
Leyburn Library also has the printed English-language encyclopedia, as well as the German-language edition. However, as of 2009, we longer receive newly-published printed volumes.
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Cambridge History Of English And American Literature
Originally published in the first two decades of the 20th century, this is considered one of the most important collections of literary history and criticism ever published, with more than 11,000 pages on poetry, fiction, drama, essays, and history.
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Canadian Encyclopedia
Complete text of the 1988 edition of this pre-eminent encyclopedia of Canada in English and French, along with updates, timelines and other features, as well as the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada. Print copy in our Reference collection: REF AG 5 .C27 1988
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Catholic Encyclopedia
Complete text of the 1908 edition. Most recent edition is in our printed Reference collection: REF BX 841.N44 2002
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Celtic Culture; A Historical Encyclopedia
Edited by John T. Koch of the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, this 2005 collection contains about 1,500 articles on all aspects of Celtic culture -- "from myth to music, religion to rulers, literature to language, government to games, and all topics in between."
Purchase of this item was made possible by the McCrum Palmer Book Fund.
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Dictionary Of American History
This is the third edition (2003) of the most comprehensive encyclopedia on American history, comprising ten volumes in printed form. The 4,400 signed articles range in length up to 7,000 words. You can see the table of contents here. The third edition is also available in printed form.
Funding was made possible by a gift in memory of Lewis P. Nelson III, Class of 1961.
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Dictionary Of The History Of Ideas
Subtitled Studies of Selected Pivotal Ideas, this is a renowned dictionary of important ideas, concepts, and other terms important in the history of philosophy, religion, politics, art, and other areas. First published in 1973-74 and available in printed form in our Reference collection.
A new edition, the New Dictionary of the History of Ideas, is available online in our Web site.
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Dictionary Of The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This two-volume set (2004) covers the history of the conflict, going back to the birth of Zionism at the end of the 19th century. It covers history, geography, religion, and demographics, as well as five Arab-Israeli wars, and provides biographies of political personnel in Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and the occupied territories. A copy of the table of contents is here.
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Encyclopaedia BritannicaNOT AVAILABLE
NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT W&L (7/1/09).
Latest edition of the pre-eminent English-language general encyclopedia.
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Encyclopaedia Judaica
This is the second edition (2006) of a set lauded as the standard encyclopedia on Judaism since the first edition appeared in the early 1970's. This new edition contains 22 volumes and 21,000 signed entries on Jewish life, culture, history, and religion.
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Encyclopaedia Of Islam, Second Edition
Generally considered the most respected English-language reference resource on all aspects of Islam, presenting the "state of our knowledge of the Islamic World from religion and history to politics and culture." There is a printed copy in the library collection. The third edition began publication in 2007.
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Encyclopaedia Of Islam, Third Edition
This work, particularly its second edition, is generally considered the most respected English-language reference resource on all aspects of Islam, presenting the "state of our knowledge of the Islamic World from religion and history to politics and culture." This new third edition began publication in 2007, so the list of available articles is quite brief, thus far.
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Encyclopaedia Of Judaism
Second edition (2005), with about 225 signed entries in 4 volumes, offers coverage of "the current state of scholarship on fundamental issues of Judaism, both past and present." While emphasizing "the classical literature of Judaism and its history, this edition also includes principal entries on circumcision, genetic engineering, homosexuality, intermarriage in American Judaism, and other acutely contemporary issues."
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Encyclopedia Of African-American Culture And History
The second edition (2006) contains over 2,300 signed articles on the "cultural roots and current condition of the African-American community." An appendix volume contains primary source documents and a collection of statistics.
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Encyclopedia Of American Foreign Policy
A three-volume set in printed form, this second edition (2002) contains about 120 essays by respected scholars General category coverage includes concepts and doctrines, policymaking, human rights, and arms control, including anti-imperialism, environmental diplomacy, refugee policies, and terrorism.
Leyburn Library also has the printed set in its collection.
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Encyclopedia Of American Industries
This two-volume work provides information on a wide range of industries in every realm of American business, with profiles of over 1,000 industries. Volume One covers manufacturing industries and Volume Two covers service and other non-manufacturing industries.
The above link takes to you to the fifth edition. We also have access to the fourth edition (2004).
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Encyclopedia Of Anthropology
Five-volume set, published in 2006, contains about 1,000 signed entries that "focus on topics in physical/biological anthropology, archaeology, cultural/social anthropology, linguistics, and applied anthropology. Also included are relevant articles on geology, paleontology, biology, evolution, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and theology. "
This purchase was made possible by the Alice M. Dean Fund.
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Encyclopedia Of Archaeology
Edited by Deborah Pearsall and first published as a three-volume set in 2007, this title "encompasses all aspects of archaeology, including the nature and diversity of archaeology as a scientific discipline, the practice of archaeology, archaeology in the everyday world, and the future of the discipline." It contains "articles by leading authors that summarize archaeological knowledge at the beginning the 21st century, highlighting important sites and issues, and tracing the development of prehistoric cultures around the globe."
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Encyclopedia Of Behavior Modification And Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Three-volume set (2005) contains hundreds of entries on "the components of behavior modification, behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and applied behavior analysis for both child and adult populations in a variety of settings." You can view the list of entries here.
Purchase was made possible by the the Victor Roger Bond '56 Library Endowment Fund.
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Encyclopedia Of Biodiversity
This is the electronic version of Elsevier's Encyclopedia of Biodiversity made available via ScienceDirect. Advantages to the electronic version include searchability, PDF copies of chapters, and access outside of the library.

Made possible by the Telford Foundation.
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Encyclopedia Of Bioethics
The Encyclopedia of Bioethics (3rd edition, 2004), occupying five volumes in printed form, offers articles on the "ethics of health professions, animal research, population control, and the environment." You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Biological Chemistry
More than 500 different entries on all aspects of biochemistry and beyond, including molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and biophysics. This electronic encyclopedia is the equivalent of the 3000 page print version.

Made possible by the Telford Foundation.
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Encyclopedia Of Black Studies
This one-volume encyclopedia (2005) serves two purposes. It is not only provide entries on the " economic, political, sociological, historical, literary, and philosophical issues related to Americans of African descent," but also acts as a guide to topics associated with the development of "black studies" as a discipline.
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Encyclopedia Of Buddhism
The Encyclopedia of Buddhism (2003), occupying two volumes in printed form, describes the Buddhist world view, basic teachings and practices of Buddhism, as well as its different schools and sects, including entries on Buddhist scriptures, art, architecture, mythology, monastic orders, festivals, rites and ceremonies, and history. You can see the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Children And Childhood In Society And History
The Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood in History and Society (2004), occupying three volumes in printed form, provides coverage of the social and cultural history of childhood, including parenting, education, legal issues, health, and international comparisons. You can see the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Children, Adolescents, And The Media
Contains over 400 signed entries "on the media's interaction with children and adolescents," including television, movies, computers, media use, violence and aggression, etc. Published in 2006.
Purchase was made possible by the Alice M. Dean Fund.
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Encyclopedia Of Clothing And Fashion
Published in 2004 as a three-volume set, this resource surveys clothing, body adornment, and examines the origins of clothing, the development of fabrics and technologies, and the social meanings of dress. It also presents information on representative costumes from a wide variety of historical eras. Topics range from the bustle, sari, codpiece, and toga to Polyester and body piercing. Includes over 600 illustrations.
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Encyclopedia Of Constitutional Amendments, Proposed Amendments, And Amending Issues
The Encyclopedia of Constitutional Amendments (2003) contains over 400 articles on the 27 amendments which are now part of the U.S. Constitution, the ratification process, historical figures and issues, and related topics.
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Encyclopedia Of Diderot And D'Alembert
Ambitious (and not yet complete) project to provide an English translation of this 32-volume 18th-century masterpiece.
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Encyclopedia Of Earth Sciences
This massive collection (21-volume set in printed form) contains over 7,000 signed entries in such fields as beaches and coastal geology, climatology, hydrology and lakes, sedimentology, structural geology and tectonics, and more. The SpringerLink platform also enables searching and provides RSS feeds.
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Encyclopedia Of Economic And Business History
Lengthy signed articles on topics in international economic and business history.
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Encyclopedia Of European Social History
Six-volume set (2001) contains over 230 signed articles on such topics as gender, sexuality, family, social structure, industrialization, media, religion, and everyday life, as well as regional issues and biographies.
Purchase of this set was made possible by the Alice M. Dean Fund.
There is a printed copy of this set in the library collection.
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Encyclopedia Of Feminist Literature
This 2004 resource profiles nearly 70 important women writers, as well as offering over 20 other entries on such themes as sexuality and and the novel.
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Encyclopedia Of Genocide And Crimes Against Humanity
Published in printed form as a three-volume set in 2004, this encyclopedia contains entries on the issues behind crimes against humanity and human rights issues, including the history of events that qualify as genocide, profiles perpetrators and heroes, explains international laws and proceedings, and examines depictions and manifestations in literature, film, and other media.
Purchase of this resource was made possible by the McCrum Palmer Book Fund.
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Encyclopedia Of Gerontology
The second edition of this work (2007), edited by James Birren, "covers the latest research on the biology, psychology, and sociology of aging in addition to covering how aging is depicted in the humanities." You may view a copy of the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Homelessness
This two-volume set, published in 2004, contains over 150 signed entries, focusing on recent issues in the United States, with a comparative sampling of homelessness around the world.
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Encyclopedia Of India
Four-volume set (2005) encompasses the history, cultures, geography and religions of India from ancient times to the present day. More than 600 alphabetically-arranged signed articles.
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Encyclopedia Of Industrial And Organizational Psychology
Two-volume set (2006) contains about 400 signed entries on this cross-disciplinary field, including research methods, motivation, management, employee attitudes, and much more.
Purchase was made possible by the Telford Foundation.
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Encyclopedia Of Infant And Early Childhood Development
Edited by Marshall Haith and Janette Benson, this three-volume set (2008) "provides a comprehensive entry point into all of the existing literature on child development from the fields of psychology, genetics, neuroscience, and sociology."
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Encyclopedia Of Infectious Diseases: Modern Methodologies
A comprehensive encyclopedia outlining various topics on infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, rabies, swine influenza, SARS, and many other infectious diseases found in plants, humans and other animals. A declaration in the introduction that we are currently in the "dark age of infectious diseases" sets the tone for the rest of the encyclopedia, which also offers insight into research and new technologies to treat and prevent epidemics.
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Encyclopedia Of Irish History And Culture
One-volume encyclopedia spans prehistoric times to the present, and treats both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Entries represent a cross-disciplinary approach, written by specialists in history, archaeology, anthropology, geography, politics, economics, the Irish and English languages and literatures, the visual arts and other fields. You can view the list of articles here.
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Encyclopedia Of Islam And The Modern World
The Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World (2004), which occupies two volumes in printed form, looks at Islam's role in the modern world, doing so in the context of the religion's history and development over the last 13 centuries. It contains thematic articles, biographies of key figures, definitions, illustrations, maps and more. You can see the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Leadership: A Practical Guide To Popular Leadership Theories And Techniques
"Reference guide (2001) to over 200 of the most important business leadership principles, theories, tools, and techniques. Each entry features a brief, one-page summary of an influential theory or tool—often illustrated graphically—followed by a worksheet or exercise. You can view the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Modern Asia
Six-volume work (2002), edited by David Levinson, contains 6,000 signed articles on Asia in the modern world, as well as historical coverage.
A PDF copy of the table of contents is here.
A printed copy is available in the library collection.
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Encyclopedia Of Modern Europe: Europe Since 1914
Five-volume set (2006) profiles European history from the Bolshevik Revolution to the European Union. Contains over 900 articles from about 500 "leading experts from universities all over the world." You can see the table of contents here.
Purchase was made possible by the Lois Ferguson and Fred Carrington Cole Endowment.
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Encyclopedia Of Modern Europe: Europe, 1789-1914
Five-volume set (2006) covers the time period between the onset of the French Revolution to the outbreak of World War I. Contains over 800 entries from about 600 scholars across the globe. You can see the table of contents here.
Purchase was made possible by the Lois Ferguson and Fred Carrington Cole Endowment.
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Encyclopedia Of Multicultural Psychology
2006 resource "includes entries on a broad array of issues and covers the breadth of psychology viewed through the lens of the racial and ethnic minority experience." A list of entries arranged by categories is here.
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Encyclopedia Of New Religious Movements
This 2005 volume contains entries on "over three hundred movements from almost every country in the world. Coverage includes neo-traditional movements as well as movements that derive from the major religions of the world."
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Encyclopedia Of North American Indians
Text of 1996 volume containing hundreds of entries on concepts, terminology, individuals, tribes, and more.
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Encyclopedia Of Philosophy (Macmillan)
Major reference work containing over 2,100 signed entries, with broad international and cross-cultural coverage.
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Encyclopedia Of Population
The tw-volume Encyclopedia of Population (2003) provides up-to-date coverage of demographic topics and in related fields. It contains over 300 signed articles. You can see the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Prisons And Correctional Facilities
This two-volume set (2004) provides about 400 entries which offer critical overviews of penal institutions within a historical and contemporary framework. Entries also include biographies, articles describing important legal statutes, and detailed and authoritative descriptions of the major prisons in the United States.
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Encyclopedia Of Race And Ethnic Studies
The Encyclopedia of Race and Ethnic Studies is intended to be an authoritative single-volume reference on all aspects of race and ethnic studies. The alphabetically- arranged entries range in length from succinct 400-word definitions to more in-depth 2000-word essays.
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Encyclopedia Of Recreation And Leisure In America
This two-volume encyclopedia provides a comprehensive survey of such diverse activities as rodeos, stickball, bowling, auto racing, and more, from the Colonial era to the present. It examines how the pursuit of leisure has changed over time, reflecting shifting social, cultural, political and economic trends in the United States. You can view the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Religion
Edited by Mircea Eliade, this is the most important encyclopedic work for religion. Access is provided through the Christopher Keller, Jr. '39 Library Endowment for Philosophy and Religion.
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Encyclopedia Of Russian History
The Encyclopedia of Russian History (2003), occupying four volumes in printed form, is described by the publisher as "a comprehensive discussion of Russia's people, politics, economics, religion and social systems," including coverage of politics, history, geography, literature, and arts and culture. It contains about 1,600 articles and 500 illustrations. You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Science And Religion
The Encyclopedia of Science and Religion (2003), occupying two volumes in printed form, contains over 400 signed articles on interdisciplinary aspects of science and religion, including controversial contemporary issues, such as stem-cell research, and more traditional questions, such as the origins of life. You can see the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Science, Technology, And Ethics
Published in print form as a four-volume set (2005), this resource contains hundreds of signed essays on "both the professional ethics of science and technology, and the ethical and political issues raised by science and technology in an increasingly complex and global society." A PDF copy of the table of contents is here.
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Encyclopedia Of Social Measurement
Over 300 signed articles in this database (published 2005) cover the data, techniques, theories, designs, applications, histories, and implications of assigning numerical values to social phenomena. The articles include descriptions of quantitative and qualitative research strategies and techniques, measurement, sampling, and statistical methods, highlighting multidisciplinary options for observing social phenomena.
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Encyclopedia Of Social Theory
Published as a two-volume set in 2004, this encyclopedia contains over 300 signed entries which cover "the developments, achievements, and prospects of social theory from its inception in the 18th century to the present." You can view the list of entries here.
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Encyclopedia Of Sociology
This five-volume set (2nd edition; 2000) probably is the most comprehensive encyclopedia focusing on sociology ever published, containing nearly 400 substantial signed articles. A PDF copy of the table of contents is available here.
Leyburn Library also has the set in printed form.
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Encyclopedia Of Stress
This second edition is a four-volume set (2007), covering "nearly every conceivable aspect and ramification of stress, including a wide range of related topics such as neuroimmune interactions, cytokines, enzymatic disorders, effects on the cardiovascular system, immunity and inflammation, and physical illnesses." You may view a copy of the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of Terrorism
Published in 2002, this encyclopedia contains over 300 signed entries on organizations, individuals, events, concepts, etc. You can view a list of entries here.
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Encyclopedia Of Western Colonialism Since 1450
Three-volume set (2007) contains over 400 signed articles "traces many facets of colonial growth and imperialism, including Europe's overseas expansion into the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific, beginning in the 15th century, the collapse of empires, race relations in decolonized regions, and current examples of continuing dependence by much of the developing world on Western nations (often former colonial powers themselves)." You may view the table of contents here.
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Encyclopedia Of White-Collar And Corporate Crime
This two-volume work (2004), with more than 500 entries, covers a variety of white-collar crimes and their history and investigations, including such high profile cases as Martha Stewart and Enron.
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Encyclopedia Of Women And Islamic Cultures
Landmark collection of hundreds of articles by 1,000 scholars reflecting the "latest research on gender studies and the Islamic world." Publication began in 2003, with the six-volume set to be completed in 2007. You can browse the tables of contents of available volumes here.
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Encyclopedia Of Women And Religion In North America
About 150 signed essays on "the history and current state of women's religious experience in North America," focusing on institutions, movements, and ideas. You can preview the table of contents. Published 2006.
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Encyclopedia Of World History
This is the sixth edition of this respected one-volume encyclopedia, edited by Peter Stearns.
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Encyclopedia Of World Poverty
Published as a three-volume set in 2006, this work contains 800 signed articles on over 190 countries, on causes and concepts, on organizations, and other topics. You can view the list of articles here.
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Encyclopedia Of World War II
Subtitled A Political, Social, and Military History, this 5-volume set (2004) provides overviews of battles, strategic situations, and political, social, and military leaders, as well as deeper analyses of crucial events such as Pearl Harbor, the Holocaust, the atomic bomb, and the role of women in war.
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Encyclopedia Of The American Constitution
This six-volume set is the second edition (2000) of the pre-eminent encyclopedia on all aspects of constitutional law. You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
Funding was made possible by a gift in memory of Lewis P. Nelson III, Class of 1961.
The library also has a printed copy of the multi-volume set in its collection.
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Encyclopedia Of The American Revolution
Second edition, published as a two-volume set in 2006, a revision of Mark Boatner's 1966 volume. Covers military aspects of the American Revolutionary War (1763-1783), with biographical entries, campaigns and strategy, battles and skirmishes, weaponry, political issues and events, legends, European participation. The table of contents is here.
This purchase was made possible by the Lois Ferguson and Fred Carrington Cole Endowment.
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Encyclopedia Of The Enlightenment
Defining the Enlightenment as the "long eighteenth century," this four-volume set (2002) focuses on the entire range of philosophic and social changes engendered by the Enlightenment. It extends conventional geographical boundaries, covering not only France, England, Scotland, the Low Countries, Italy, English-speaking North America, the German states, and Hapsburg Austria but also Iberian, Ibero-American, Jewish, Russian, and Eastern European cultures.
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Encyclopedia Of The Global Economy, Volume I
Two-volume set (2005) "examines the key people, institutions, current issues, and historical events that shaped the global economy." Volume I contains about 165 encyclopedic entries on such topics as "Regional Trade Agreements" and "Development Economics." Volume II consists of important historical documents and statistical data.
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Encyclopedia Of The Global Economy, Volume II
Two-volume set (2005) "examines the key people, institutions, current issues, and historical events that shaped the global economy." Volume II consists of important historical documents and statistical data. Volume I contains about 165 encyclopedic entries on such topics as "Regional Trade Agreements" and "Development Economics."
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Encyclopedia Of The Middle Ages
Covers the period 400-1400 AD exploring the arts, religion, law, science, language, philosophy, and theology and more.
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Encyclopedia Of The Modern Middle East And North Africa
The second edition of this encyclopedia (four-volume set, 2004) covers the modern history of the Middle East and North Africa, with major sections on Colonialism and Imperialism, the World Wars, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the United Nations involvement in the region.
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Encyclopedia Of The New American Nation
Three-volume set (2005) contains over 650 signed articles on events occuring from about 1754 to about 1829, including not only political and governmental topics, but also culture, literature, the arts, and daily life. You can view the table of contents here.
Purchase was made possible by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges.
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Encyclopedia Of The Palestinians
Signed entries in this revised edition (2005) focus on Palestinian history, politics, and society from the late Ottoman period to the present. Includes 50 primary source documents.
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Europa World Plus
Based on the long-established Europa World Year Book and companion volumes, this is a compendium of information on regions, countries, and international organizations, much of it in the form of statistical data and governmental and organization directories. All information is updated at least twice a year, and more often as needed.
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Europe, 1450-1789; Encyclopedia Of The Early Modern World
Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World, a six-volume set in printed form, includes over 1,100 articles on European history, politics, society, government, and art from the "print revolution" to the French Revolution. You can see a PDF copy of the table of contents here.
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Gale Encyclopedia Of The Unusual And Unexplained
Three-volume set, published in 2003, covering topics relating to magic, witchcraft, the supernatural and other mysterious phenomena.
Purchase of this item was made possible by the Robert W. Root, Class of 1942, Fund.
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Gale Virtual Reference Library
This is a database comprised of the content in over 100 reference sources (mostly encyclopedias) published through the Gale Virtual Reference Library available at W&L. You can see the list of available titles by clicking on the "Title List" option, next the upper-right corner of the page.
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Geo-Data; The World Geographical Encyclopedia
Detailed articles on the physical geography on 192 countries of the world, plus a number of islands and dependencies. Each article includes the following components: basic geography and geology; mountains and hills; inland waterways; cartoast and islands; climate and vegetation; human population; natural resources; further readings.
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Governments Of The World; A Global Guide To Citizens' Rights And Responsibilities
This four-volume set, published in 2006, include biographies and historical surveys on types of political systems (constitutional monarchies, presidential systems, democracies, dictatorships, etc.), as well as entries on the governments of particular countries and on supra-national entities, including the European Union.
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Grove Encyclopedia Of Decorative Arts
Contains over 3,000 entries covering thousands of years of decorative arts production throughout western and non-western cultures.
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Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia
This 16-volume second edition (2002) is the first complete revision in 30 years of the premiere encyclopedia on animals of the world.
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Guns In American Society
Guns in American Society (2002) is described by the publisher as the "only major reference work on this topic that is not decidedly pro- or anti-gun." It contains over 400 articles on aspects of firearms and firearms-related violence in the United States -- socioeconomics, sports, manufacturing, legal issues, politics, mass media, the Second Amendment, etc.
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History Of World Trade Since 1450
Two-volume set (2005) contains over 400 entries on historical and commercial concepts (commodities, countries, economic terms, individuals and families, etc.) dating from the beginning of the Age of Exploration, through the establishment of colonies in Africa, the Americas, and Asia, the Industrial Revolution, capitalism and imperialism, through the 20th century.
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Iberia And The Americas: Culture, Politics, And History
Three-volume set (2005) "covers the reciprocal effects that the politics, foreign policy, and culture of Spain, Portugal, and the American nations have had on one another since the time of Columbus." About 400 signed entries, plus substantial introductory essays.
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International Dictionary Of Films And Filmmakers
Comprehensive four-volume resource (4th edition, 2000) provides thorough coverage of films and filmmakers through the spring of 2000. Entrants include legendary films, actors and actresses, directors, writers and other production artists.
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International Encyclopedia Of Marriage And Family
Ebook version of The International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family. (2nd edition, 2003), which uses an international, cross-cultural approach to such diverse topics as adolescent parenthood, family planning, cohabitation, widowhood, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, etc. It includes articles specific to countries and to religious traditions, examining the history of family life within these cultures and discussing how families have been affected by political and social change.
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International Encyclopedia Of The Social And Behavioral Sciences
IESBS (2002) is the largest reference work on the social and behavioral sciences ever published -- over 4,000 signed articles in 26 printed volumes.
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Jewish Encyclopedia
Complete contents of the 1901-06 edition of this work.
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Magill On Literature Plus
This database includes: Masterplots (12 volumes), Masterplots II (58 volumes), Cyclopedia of World Authors (5 volumes), Cyclopedia of Literary Characters (5 volumes), Magill's Literary Annual 1990-2005 (32 volumes), Magill's Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature (4 volumes) and Magill Book Reviews (6,800+). In addition, this database also includes Critical Surveys (35 volumes), Magill's Choice: Notable Poets (3 volumes), Magill's Choice: Shakespeare (1 volume), Magill's Choice: 100 Masters of Mystery and Detective Fiction (2 volumes) and World Philosophers and Their Works (3 volumes).
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Major Acts Of Congress
Published in 2003, this source (three volumes in printed form) examines over 250 landmark pieces of legislation, in the publisher's words, "explaining the historical factors that led to the proposal of each act, looking at the adoption process, and assessing each act's impact on American life." Examples include the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. You can see the table of contents here.
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New Dictionary Of The History Of Ideas
This six-volume set (2004) is the first revision in 30 years of the classic Dictionary of the History of Ideas, one of the most important reference works ever published on "what we think" -- philosophical and theoretical concepts, historical, scientific, social, and critical issues, etc. A PDF copy of the table of contents is available here.
The original edition is available online and in our Reference collection.
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Oxford Art Online
One-stop searching of four major art encyclopedias and dictionaries.
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Oxford Encyclopaedia Of The Reformation
This 4-volume set, initially published in 1996, is a compendium of scholarship focusing on the entire range of religious and social changes wrought by the Reformation, including not only issues of church polity and theology, but also related developments in politics, economics, demographics, art, and literature. Includes not only Western Europe and the British Isles, but also southern Europe, Scandinavia, and east-central Europe.
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Oxford Encyclopedia Of American Literature
This 2004 publication contains about 350 signed essays by leading scholars, covering American literary history from the 1600's to the present day. Essay topics include individual authors, works, movements, themes, etc.
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Oxford Encyclopedia Of British Literature
A five-volume set in printed form (2006), this encyclopedia contains 500 signed substantial essays which cover "the entire history of British literature from the seventh century to the present, focusing on the writers and the major texts of what are now the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland," including biographies and topical essays with detailed analyses of particular themes, movements, genres, and institutions.
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Oxford Encyclopedia Of Children's Literature
This four-volume set (printed form, 2006) contains over 3,200 entries that comprehensively document and interpret books read by children throughout the world, with attention to significant international trends and the multicultural expansion of the field. It includes brief biographies of major authors and illustrators and feature essays on genres, individual works, and prominent trends and themes.
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Oxford Encyclopedia Of Food And Drink In America
Two-volume set (2004) covers the significant events, inventions, and social movements in American history that have affected the way Americans view, prepare, and consume food and drink, including regions, people, ingredients, foods, drinks, publications, advertising, companies, historical periods, and political and economic aspects pertinent to American cuisine.
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Oxford Encyclopedia Of Latinos And Latinas In The United States
First published in 2005, this scholarly work provides over 900 signed entries on the contemporary and historical experiences of Latinos and Latinas in the U.S.
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Oxford Encyclopedia Of Women In World History
Edited by Bonnie G. Smith, this four-volume work (2008) contains over 1,200 signed topical and biographical entries.
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Oxford Music Online
One-stop searching of the Oxford Dictionary of Music, the cncyclopedic Grove Music Online, and the Oxford Companion to Music.

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Pollution A To Z
This two-volume set (2003) contains over 250 articles on a variety of pollution- related issues, including sources and disposal, legal and political issues, biographies, and ethical concerns. You can see the table of contents here.
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Poverty In The United States; An Encyclopedia Of History, Politics, And Policy
Two-volume set (2004) covering the history of poverty in the United States with an emphasis on the 20th century. Examines the evolvement of public policy and the impact of critical movements in social welfare such as the New Deal, the War on Poverty, and, more recently, the "end of welfare as we know it."
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Public Opinion And Polling Around The World
Overview of public opinion from its roots in colonial America to its role in today's emerging democracies. More than 100 entries prepared by top scholars examine the 200-year history of public opinion, measurement methodologies with an emphasis on telephone interviews and Internet polls, and key figures like George Gallup and Elmo Roper, who created their own polling systems.
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Puritans And Puritanism In Europe And America: A Comprensive Encyclopedia
This two-volume set (2006) contains nearly 700 signed entries from about 80 scholars on the Puritan movement's "doctrines, its people, its effects on politics and culture, and its enduring legacy."
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Quran: An Encyclopedia
Resource (2005) contains signed entries by 43 international experts on issues relating to the Qur'an and Islam, such as "jihad" and "women."
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Religion And American Cultures
This three-volume set (2003) contains 120 essays which explore "the fascinating interaction between religion and ethnicity, gender, regionalism, and popular culture." You may view the table of contents here
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Routledge Encyclopedia Of Philosophy
Based on the 1998 printed edtion of the encyclopedia (also available in the Leyburn Library collection), the database contains over 2,000 signed articles, with new entries added each year.
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Schirmer Encyclopedia Of Film
Four-volume set (2007) covers such aspects as production, national traditions, studios, genres, critical theory, and film history. Approximately 200 entries cover specific topics, including acting, censorship, editing, lighting, career profiles, etc.
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Science Reference Sources
A list of science specific dictionaries and encyclopedias. Updated as new resources are acquired.
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Southeast Asia -- A Historical Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia with over 800 entries by 130 contributors, covering prehistoric times to the end of the 20th century for each country in the region. A three-volume set in printed form (2004), including coverage including archaeology and prehistory, politics and culture, socioeconomics, ethno-history, language, institutions and organizations, wars and conflicts, personalities, geography, religions and folklore, and environment.
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St. James Encyclopedia Of Labor History Worldwide; Major Events In Labor History And Their Impact
This ebook, occupying two volumes in printed form, contains signed articles 3-to-5 pages in length on over 300 events in the last 200 years of labor history. You can view the table of contents here.
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Tobacco In History And Culture: An Encyclopedia
This two-volume set (2004) contains about 140 articles on all aspects of tobacco from a global perspective and in a variety of fields, including history, economics, government and health.
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West's Encyclopedia Of American Law
This is the e-book version of the 13-volume West's Encyclopedia of American Law (2nd edition), published in 2004. Its 5,000 entries cover historical and current terms, concepts, events, movements, cases, and persons significant to U.S law.
Updated annually by the American Law Yearbook.
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Women In The Middle Ages: An Encyclopedia (Volume 1, A-J)
Two-volume set (2005) with over 300 signed entries that conclude with extensive bibliographies of both primary and secondary sources. Entries cover people and topics ranging from the third to the fifteenth centuries.
This volume includes entries beginning with the letters A-through-J, with other entries in Volume 2.
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Women In The Middle Ages: An Encyclopedia (Volume 2, K-Z)
Two-volume set (2005) with over 300 signed entries that conclude with extensive bibliographies of both primary and secondary sources. Entries cover people and topics ranging from the third to the fifteenth centuries.
This volume includes entries beginning with the letters L-through-Z, with other entries in Volume 1.
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World Press Encyclopedia
(2nd edition, 2003) Survey of press and electronic media in nearly 200 countries of the world. Arranged alphabetically by country, entries include an overview of the background, economic framework, and general characteristics of each country's press. Coverage also includes press laws, censorship issues, state-press relations, news agencies, electronic news media, education and training in journalism, etc. The library also has a printed copy.
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Worldmark Encyclopedia Of Religious Practices
Three-volume set (2005) provides information on current religious practices around the world, with lengthy articles on major religions and sub-groups, and shorter entries on religious groups in each of 193 countries. Here is the table of contents.
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