The Facts on File Visual Dictionary

Library Journal

A society (and age) increasingly dependent on visual language is badly in need of a tool to guide in refining use of terminology and in relating terms to clearly illustrated visual objects. Corbeil, linguist and authority on terminology, is largely successful in his effort. In this work information is presented under 28 major subjects (themes) further divided into numerous categories and sub-categories, beginning with the natural world and progressing through human and social topics. Except for preface and introduction, there is no narrative; the book is composed of black-and-white drawings of the object, activity, etc., labeled by precise term or terms. Three indexes and selected bibliography complete the volume. Reginald Bragonier's What's What: a Visual Glossary of the Physical World ( LJ 2/1/82) invites comparison. The Facts on File Visual Dictionary 's scholarly preparation, linguistic basis, and emphasis on precision distinguish it. For most public and academic libraries. Harry E. Whitmore, Arrowhead Lib. System, Virginia, Minn.