Pears Cyclopaedia 2002-2003 (Hardcover)

Set out in 21 eclectically detailed sections ranging from the World of Science and Biblical Glossary to Prominent People and Atlas of the World, Pears manages to be a whole raft of specialist reference books all rolled into one. The Literary Companion section is especially good this time, having been expanded to include mention JK Rowling and of 2001 Booker prize winning novel, Peter Carey's The History of the Kelly Gang as well a detailing literary terms special topics and authors from Chaucer to Tolkein.

Pears makes for a entertaining browse too. On one page you read that a uhlan is "light cavalry officer armed with lance" That's a few pages away from the useful information that Zagreus was a son of Zeus torn apart and eaten by the Titans. Nearby are charts showing the Periodic Table and the Table of Elements and another listing all Britain's prime ministers since 1945. It's faintly eccentric but fun.--Susan Elkin

Amazon.co.uk Review
The annual publication of the Pears Cyclopaedia always reveals a wealth of knowledge and information, and the 108th edition is no exception.

Appropriately for the Millennium edition the book focuses on the changing world scene, with articles on the volatile political situations in central Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East. Much is made of the advanced rates of change across the board and particular attention is paid to the changing political and economic situations in the UK, including House of Lords reform and the advent of the Scottish Parliament.

The Computers section takes an in-depth look at the Internet, detailing not only key words and terms but also many issues which have arisen as its popularity has increased--democracy and regulation, business use, and a look to the future with a brief overview of the convergence of broadcast, telephone and computer systems. For those not entirely conversant with the new technology, this detailed examination will provide a good reference for confusing terminology; for others it is a thought-provoking examination of an increasingly important part of our everyday lives.

The literary companion deals with topics as diverse as the enduring appeal of Shakespeare, classic children's literature, post-war British theatre and science fiction, in addition to a comprehensive introduction to the English novel and a glossary of literary terms. Asthma comes under the spotlight in Medical Matters, while popular stage musicals and the world of Rock are topics of conversation in the World of Music.

Covering all strata of culture, Pears Cyclopaedia 1999-2000 is an essential reference work for anyone interested in the complexities of society, both in the UK and throughout the world. --Lucie Naylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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