Author Description

This latest addition to the Oxford Illustrated Encyclopedia explains why people throughout the world live as they do; it sets out their beliefs; their political and economic systems; and their social and cultural structures, providing a useful handbook to the issues, ideas, and institutions underlying current affairs. Sixty specialists have contributed the 2,200 entries under the guidance of forty expert advisers. The entries are arranged alphabetically and range in length from 60 to 1,000 words. Subjects covered include religions; political systems and theory; economics, commerce, and management; communications and advertising; law and legal systems; philosophy; psychology; international relations and development issues; sociology; sports; education; social services; health and welfare. Biographies of the major figures in their field are given. Entries reflect the variety of information required in today's hybrid society, and special attention is given to different cultural viewpoints. The additional forty-page illustrated section on the countries of the world includes an entry, locator map, and table of statistics for each country, which summarize the country's political and economic structure.