Human Rights: The Essential Reference [Hardcover]

Carol Devine (Author), Carol Rae Hansen (Author), Ralph Wilde (Author), Hilary Poole (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 1999 | ISBN-10: 157356205X | ISBN-13: 978-1573562058 | Edition: 1

Now, for the first time, there is a single reference work that documents the history of human rights worldwide, clearly explains each article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and examines the major human rights issues facing the world today. Comprehensive in scope, Human Rights covers a broad range of human rights issues that are central to an understanding of world history and current affairs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Grade 10 Up-As most discussions in the political, economic, and social arena have a human-rights component, it is refreshing to find such a fine addition to the reference literature. This volume is divided into four sections; the first "traces the evolution of our modern concept of human rights" beginning with the ancient Greeks and continuing through World War II to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Part two is a thorough examination of this historical document, article by article. Part three provides a detailed overview of the contemporary human-rights movement through essays and alphabetical entries on various government and nongovernmental agencies as well as biographical profiles of numerous activists. The final section consists of short essays on 33 of the most pressing human-rights issues today, including: "AIDS/HIV," "Child Soldiers," the "Death Penalty," and "Indigenous Peoples." Black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout. An appendix offers the text of eight United Nations documents and an extensive index facilitates access. A specialized resource without an equal.
Marsha S. Holden, Highland Community College, Freeport, IL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“The contributors to this volume have built a sturdy bridge that allows interested readers easy access to the main body of human rights law and practice. As a work of reference, the volume is handsomely edited, readable, and visually attractive....Much more straightforward and readable than Human Rights in Political Transitions, this book merits inclusion in most reference collections on international affairs.”–Library Journal

“...the book is an excellent source of information on the many facets of human rights. It should be valuable not only for human rights workers and activists but also for teachers, students, journalists, and anyone interested in the subject.”–ARBA

“High school and college students will find this one-volume encyclopedia easy to use because of its logical organization and clear writing....All of the authors write clearly and without emotional overtones. The book's physical appearance is also attractive, with good use of columns and bold type. Most collections will place this resource in the Reference section, but the book as so well written that it will hold interest when read like a textbook.”–VOYA

“Human Rights offers balanced views and useful information on myriad issues about human rights throughout the world during the latter half of the 20th century.”–Reference & User Services Quarterly

“...helpful resource for high school and college students who are researching human rights issues, or for researchers and librarians in need of a handy reference resource.”–SLJ

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Oryx Press; 1 edition (June 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157356205X
• ISBN-13: 978-1573562058
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,793,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.