The Encyclopedia of Propaganda

School Library Journal

Gr 9 UpAccording to the foreword, this set addresses "those forms of communicationthat are intended to produce changes in thinking or behavior of their audiences." The encyclopedia's purpose is to consider propaganda in "value-neutral terms." The essays cover a wide range of topics, such as social realism, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the United Nations, architecture and monuments, Charlie Chaplin, film and politics, birth control, and photography and photojournalism. Of the 510 alphabetically arranged entries, 82 are brief definitions written by the editor. The remaining essays, ranging in length from 300 to 2500 words, are written by scholars. Writing styles vary but all of the articles deal with relatively sophisticated concepts. The medium-length essays have short lists for further reading; the longer ones have annotated lists. The text is enlivened with black-and-white photographs, reproductions, and cartoons. Volume three contains an extensive bibliography, filmography, index, and a list of entries that group articles under 15 broadly defined categories such as nations, persons, artistic and literary issues, health and medical issues, and historical events and eras. Because of its unique point of view and emphasis on mass media, this set will add valuable material to reference collections.Priscilla Bennett, State University of West Georgia