When the first edition of this encyclopedia title was published in 1988, RBB gave it a very favorable review. Until that time, there had been no encyclopedia that covered the evolution of humankind. The second edition is edited by the same team, Eric Delson, Ian Tattersall, and John A. Van Couvering, plus one new editor, Alison S. Brooks. All of the contributors from the first edition appear in the second, and there are 14 new contributors. The number of pages has increased from 603 to 753, retaining the two-column format but with a more pleasing typeface. The illustrations have been enhanced and are much clearer. Of the more than 800 A-Z entries, 200 are new. The many see references have been replaced with a 14-page index, and the subject list by topic has been replaced with a summary of major subject areas and a detailed list of all articles by topic. Both of these changes are great improvements and increase the usability of the book. Entries vary from 50 to 9,000 words in length. See also references at the end of most articles are still present, and the bibliographic references have been updated into 1999.This is a very readable, thorough reference source covering every aspect of human evolution and prehistory. The scientific facts, theories, and philosophies pertaining to evolution are presented skillfully and understandably. The numerous illustrations, diagrams, and charts aid in the understanding of the text. The biographical entries are complete, providing the individuals' contributions to the study of evolution and related fields. The descriptions of archaeological sites are well written. Many articles have been greatly revised, making them much more readable and incorporating all of the new findings that have been reported in the last 10 years.This encyclopedia continues to be the most inclusive and authoritative source of information on anthropology and human evolution. It is an essential source for all academic libraries and large public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
Review
This thoroughly updated edition of a distinguished reference book....is essential for all academic libraries and for large, and many medium-sized, public libraries.
–American Reference Books Annual, 2000
A comprehensive and authoritative source of information... The format of Delson's encyclopedia makes it useful for ready reference. Highly recommended for all academic and large public libraries.
–Choice, December 2000
Top-notch background source for students, professionals and the informed general reader. More substantial than the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Human Evolution and with a more useful alphabetical arrangement, this reference will be of particular interest to academic and larger public libraries.
–Against the Grain, January 2001
This is a very readable, thorough reference source covering every aspect of human evolution and prehistory....This encyclopedia continues to be the most inclusive and authoritative source of information on anthropology and human evolution. It is an essential source for all academic libraries and large public libraries.
–Booklist/RBB, September 2000
Although a second edition, this constitutes overall a new book, rich in figures maps and scaled drawings, much fuller, more comprehensive and diverse than its forerunner. ...no institution, regardless of size can afford to forgo having a copy available for its membership and clientele. It constitutes a singularly effective and representative resource of the scope and state of understanding of human biological and behavioral evolution.
–Journal of Human Evolution, July 2000
--This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
See all Editorial Reviews