《Encyclopedia of Globalization》

*Starred Review* Globalization is a hot topic; a search for the term in the most recent 12 months of the New York Times found more than 260 articles. With the aim of "student and wider public education," this encyclopedia supplies about 500 alphabetically arranged articles on a range of globalization issues. The diversity of entries demonstrates the commitment of editors Robertson (University of Aberdeen) and Scholte (University of Warwick) to follow "a plural approach." Users can find articles on social and cultural issues (Dance, Gender, National identities); history (Cold war, Enlightenment, Labor movements); science and technology (Desertification, Internet, Nanotechnology); business, industry, and economics (Banking, Credit cards, Debt crisis, Markets, Mining industry); organizations (African Union, World Bank Group); and other topics (Law of Outer Space, Passports). Separate entries for countries and people are excluded. For these, readers need to use the cumulative indexes located at the back of each volume. The first few pages of every volume include an alphabetical list of entries as well as a "Reader's Guide," where entry titles are grouped under broad topics such as "Anthropology," "Environment," and "Political Economic Development." More than 360 experts comprise the list of international contributors. Articles average between 2 and 5 pages in length and often include subheadings to aid reader understanding. For example, the 4-page article on the North American Free Trade Agreement organizes content under three subheadings—"A Historic Debate," "The NAFTA Record," and "The NAFTA Legacy." Each entry is signed and includes a useful see also section leading to other relevant articles. For example, the article Self-identity points to 13 other entries, including Borders, Cultural globalization, Glocalization (not a misspelling), and Race. Each entry also ends with a bibliography of works, primarily books and articles, though some are Internet sites. The last volume provides additional features, including 135 full-text documents organized under 14 headings (e.g., "Environment," "Trade"); excerpts from the "Globalisation Index" published by the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation, which assigns globalization scores to countries and regions for the period 1982–2001; and a bibliography organized in the same way as the "Reader's Guide." The lack of a title list for the documents will frustrate some users. Excellent quality black-and-white photos, world maps, and charts are used throughout. By pulling so many diverse topics into "an accessible reference book prepared by leading authorities," this set enters new territory. It expands on the 100 entries found within Globalization: Encyclopedia of Trade, Labor, and Politics (ABC-CLIO, 2005) and the 150 or so articles within the Encyclopedia of the Global Economy: A Guide for Students and Researchers (Greenwood, 2006)—although high-school students may find the latter more suited to their needs. Highly recommended for academic and larger public libraries. Fadel, Stephen