The Cambridge factfinder

Library Journal

In the tradition of the World Almanac and other general almanacs, this reference work is international in scope. It includes sections on the universe, Earth, natural history, geography, society, mythology, communications, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports and games. To a U.S. reader, it has a definite British and European outlook. For instance, a section on grape varieties and the wines made from them includes seven wines from the former Yugoslavia but only six from the United States, limited to California. Other sections show a similar emphasis on Europe and Great Britain, with information on the U.S. inconsistent and skimpy. (For instance, the 'Knowledge' section lists all the campuses of the University of North Carolina, but only the Twin Cities Campus of the University of Minnesota.) Nevertheless, there is much useful information here, especially for students. The short descriptions of countries of the world are up-to-date and useful, and there are timely sections on such subjects as endangered tribal groups, the geography of HIV infection, and worldwide forest depletion, which are not always readily available elsewhere. Unfortunately, other timely subjects such as e-mail, the Internet, and World Wide Web receive no coverage at all. This is a useful addition to the ready-reference shelf of most libraries, but it is not a replacement for the standard almanacs. One caution-many of these 'facts' will quickly become obsolete, but nowhere does this volume detail how or when it will be updated. -- Barbara Walden, University of Minnesota Libraries, Minneapolis

Library Journal

In the tradition of the World Almanac and other general almanacs, this reference work is international in scope. It includes sections on the universe, Earth, natural history, geography, society, mythology, communications, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports and games. To a U.S. reader, it has a definite British and European outlook. For instance, a section on grape varieties and the wines made from them includes seven wines from the former Yugoslavia but only six from the United States, limited to California. Other sections show a similar emphasis on Europe and Great Britain, with information on the U.S. inconsistent and skimpy. (For instance, the 'Knowledge' section lists all the campuses of the University of North Carolina, but only the Twin Cities Campus of the University of Minnesota.) Nevertheless, there is much useful information here, especially for students. The short descriptions of countries of the world are up-to-date and useful, and there are timely sections on such subjects as endangered tribal groups, the geography of HIV infection, and worldwide forest depletion, which are not always readily available elsewhere. Unfortunately, other timely subjects such as e-mail, the Internet, and World Wide Web receive no coverage at all. This is a useful addition to the ready-reference shelf of most libraries, but it is not a replacement for the standard almanacs. One caution-many of these 'facts' will quickly become obsolete, but nowhere does this volume detail how or when it will be updated. -- Barbara Walden, University of Minnesota Libraries, Minneapolis

Booknews

A British-oriented almanac is a refreshing change from the US- oriented ones. Unfortunately it is poorly organized and poorly proofread, which is more of problem in its telegraphic style than if it were more narrative. Draws fairly exclusively on other Cambridge University references. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)