Encyclopedia Of Birth Control

The sociological, medical, and historical aspects of birth control in the twentieth century have been compiled in this unique, easy-to-use, and comprehensive resource. Objectively written and international in scope, this encyclopedia covers a variety of topics: biology and anatomy, birth control methods and devices, influential people and organizations, issues and debates, religious perspectives, legal issues, perspectives from other countries. The Encyclopedia is an excellent source for students and other researchers, educators, health care professionals, and perennially high-interest topic. For students, expecially, the book will be invaluable for reports and term papers, speeches, and debates. The Encyclopedia contains more than 200 entries, a bibliography, and more than 50 photographs and charts. Entries end with a list of sources for further reading. Entries include

•Abortion

•Abstience

•Biological Methods of Contraception

•Anthony Comstock

•Dalkon Shield

•Mary Ware Dennett

•Depo-Provera

•Family Planning

•Gynecology

•Infanticide

•International Planned Parenthood Federation

•Aletta Jacobs

•Judaism

•Male Contraceptives

•Menopause

•Norplant

•Oral Contraceptives

•Gregory Pincus

•Population Growth

•Poverty

•Reproductive Rights

•John Rock

•Roe v. Wade

•Roman Catholic Church

•Margaret Higgins Sanger

•Sex Education

•Sexually Transmitted Diseases

•Tubel Sterilization

•United Nations fund for Population Activities

•World Health Organization

The sociological, medical, and historical aspects of birth control in the twentieth century have been compiled in this unique, easy-to-use, and comprehensive resource. Objectively written and international in scope, this encyclopedia covers a variety of topics: biology and anatomy, birth control methods and devices, influential people and organizations, issues and debates, religious perspectives, legal issues, perspectives from other countries. The Encyclopedia is an excellent source for students and other researchers, educators, health care professionals, and perennially high-interest topic. For students, expecially, the book will be invaluable for reports and term papers, speeches, and debates. The Encyclopedia contains more than 200 entries, a bibliography, and more than 50 photographs and charts. Entries end with a list of sources for further reading. Entries include

•Abortion

•Abstience

•Biological Methods of Contraception

•Anthony Comstock

•Dalkon Shield

•Mary Ware Dennett

•Depo-Provera

•Family Planning

•Gynecology

•Infanticide

•International Planned Parenthood Federation

•Aletta Jacobs

•Judaism

•Male Contraceptives

•Menopause

•Norplant

•Oral Contraceptives

•Gregory Pincus

•Population Growth

•Poverty

•Reproductive Rights

•John Rock

•Roe v. Wade

•Roman Catholic Church

•Margaret Higgins Sanger

•Sex Education

•Sexually Transmitted Diseases

•Tubel Sterilization

•United Nations fund for Population Activities

•World Health Organization

VOYA

These two fine encyclopedias, edited by Marian Rengel and Vern L. Bullough, cover a broad range of topics relating to reproduction. Both focus on birth control, and both explore the issue in historical and sociological contexts. There is naturally much common ground in presenting the different methods of birth control, pioneers in both medical and social fields, and the mechanics of reproduction. Far more fascinating than the information shared by the two books, however, are the surprise entries that give each volume a unique identity. Bullough's book has fewer entries, but each is a delight to read. Bullough states in his introduction that the book is designed for the average reader, and accordingly, the style is friendly and informative. He has a sense for topics of interest to curious readers—world records, historical misconceptions about pregnancy, and various religious practices. Bullough includes an alphabetical listing of entries at the beginning of the book because the arrangement of information is not always obvious or predictable. Rengel's encyclopedia feels more like a traditional reference book. The writing style leans further toward the clinical than Bullough's, and more entries are covered in virtually the same amount of space. The "Guide to Selected Topics" at the beginning of the book is organized beautifully. Rengel includes entries such as "Insurance Coverage" (for contraceptives) and "Female Genital Mutilation." Libraries that need to choose between the two volumes for purchase should think about the needs of their patrons. For easier reading combined with interesting expositions, consider Bullough's book. For superior organization, technical knowledge, and moreentries to access information, look to Rengel. Both volumes work well for young adults' research and personal needs. Index. Illus. Photos. Charts. Biblio. Further Reading. 2000, Oryx, 312p. PLB $55. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Diane Masla SOURCE: VOYA, February 2002 (Vol. 24, No.6)

MARIAN RENGEL is currently a journalist for the St. Cloud Times, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.