Review by Choice Review
Comprehensively covering all environmental subjects in great detail--ranging from "Acid Rain" and "Fishing" to "Packrat Middens" and "Seed Banks"--this encyclopedia's 154 articles cover all aspects of ecology, including oceans, wetlands, desertification, and limnology as well as current problems such as oil spills and endangered species. The well-written articles range from 3 to 38 pages, the majority ten pages or more. Technical vocabulary predominates, but glossaries at the ends of articles define only a few major terms. Tables, charts, and figures abound and are very informative but may occasionally be too small or too low in contrast to be clear. Black-and-white photographs are included sporadically. Cross-references appear in the text, with a complete list at the end. The full table of contents and instructions for use are reprinted in the front of each volume. A list of contributors can be found at the end of volume 3, as well as a detailed index. The quality of scholarship is very high and all articles contain current bibliographies, but the vocabulary employed demands knowledgeable readers. Contributors are practicing scientists, hence the terminology can be abstruse and nonscientists could find many subjects difficult to understand. For college students and professionals in environmentally related fields, the encyclopedia is very thorough and needed. An excellent specialized encyclopedia, useful for all college libraries and for professionals. M. S. Muskiewicz; University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
