Current Leaders of Nations

Library Journal

This new publication claims to be the only single source for up-to-date information on heads of state of all the world's nations. Information for each country is presented on a double-sided sheet of heavy stock. The sheets are arranged alphabetically by country in a three-ring binder--a format that permits easy removal for photocopying but presents obvious problems for security. The sheets follow a consistent format: brief sketch of the country, map, political background, biographical sketch of the current leader, and discussion of his or her influence. The articles are signed by writers identified in the introduction as ``experts in that country's affairs.'' Selected references are given after each article. New sheets will be provided as needed and will be available within a month following the change in leadership. The sketches examined, dated July 1990, reflect most of the recent changes in Eastern Europe except German reunification. Similar biographical profiles of world leaders are also available in Countries of the World and Their Leaders (Gale, 1989), Political Handbook of the World (Arthur Banks, CSA Pubn., annual) and Europa Yearbook (Europa, annual). The precise focus, condensed treatment, flexible for mat, and promise of effective updating make Current Leaders a reasonable selection for public, academic, and high school libraries. Assuming the publisher can provide the planned revisions, it can be rec ommended.-- Harry E. Whitmore, Univ. of Maine-Augusta