Historical Dictionary of Portugal (Historical Dictionaries of Europe) [Hardcover]

Douglas L. Wheeler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003 | Series: Historical Dictionaries of Europe (Book 40)

For the casual reader or for the visitor to Portugal, there is little general reference information available that provides insight into the complexities that have shaped Portugal's 2000-year history.

This up-to-date, second edition is the ideal resource for these essentials and more, with nine new bibliographical sections, including one on electronic and Web resources. It provides comprehensive reference material on everything from Portugal's political crisis to its economic and societal challenges, trials, and triumphs.

Features:
o Maps
o Chronology
o List of acronyms
o Several appendices
o Classified bibliography
o Cross-referenced entries

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Portugal had an important role in the exploration of the world, making the shortage of adequate English-language reference tools on the country a serious problem. Consequently, this historical dictionary is a significant addition to any library with collections on Europe. Wheeler (modern history, Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham) is one of the most active U.S. scholars promoting the study of Portugal in this country. His work is different from, and more usable than, the traditional historical dictionary because the entries are generally longer and of greater depth. In addition, their high quality shows the author's knowledge of his area. Wheeler includes an extensive subject introduction, a historical chronology, and a list of monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers. Of special note is the 100-page subject bibliography. An important reference source for academic and some public libraries.
- Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, Ut.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This third edition of a title in the Historical Dictionaries of Europe series covers Portuguese political, economic, cultural, and social history. The volume begins with physical and political maps of Portugal, a chronology from 15,000 BCE to 2008, and an introduction to and overview of Portuguese history. This material is followed by entries in alphabetical order and appendixes listing monarchs, prime ministers, and presidents. An extensive bibliography concludes the work. Though Portugal is one of the oldest nation-states in Europe, much of its history may be unfamiliar to North American readers. Some interesting facts: England and Portugal share the longest alliance in European history; Portugal was the last European country to use cavalry in combat; following the massive earthquake in 1755, Lisbon was rebuilt in grids and became the first planned city in Europe. Part of the value of a dictionary such as this is convenience; a great deal of information is presented in a single volume. A good purchase for academic and large public libraries. --Abbie Landry --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press; 2nd Edition edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810843331
• ISBN-13: 978-0810843332
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,782,447 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Portuguese history at your fingertips, December 31, 2003

By 

Marilu Evans (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Historical Dictionary of Portugal (Historical Dictionaries of Europe) (Hardcover)

This is the most useful book I have come across for quick reference on facts, people and dates in the history of Portugal. The book is also packed with other good information, lists of books etc on all sorts of topics to do with Portugal. This is a loyal friend I always turn to for reliable and easy-to-access reference. With this book in my bag I feel I have the history and culture of Portugal at my fingertips. You who are reading this review, I hope you can benefit from this book as much as I have.