Encyclopedias

The standard reference work on Judaism, with more than 21,000 signed entries on Jewish life, culture, history and religion, written by Israeli, American and European subject specialists. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Second edition of 2006.

Includes more than 1,000 original essays examining specific programs and people, historic moments and trends, major policy disputes and such topics as violence, tabloid television and the quiz show scandal.

First edition of 1997.

The Encyclopedia of Civil Rights in America is a comprehensive, alphabetically-organized reference source on the human rights and civil liberties that are legally recognized in the United States. The 677 entries address civil rights issues from a variety of perspectives, such as race, gender, age, medical status or conditions, physical and mental challenges, group membership, religion, and many others. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

1998 edition

This supplement focuses on the pontificate of John Paul II and includes thematic essays that present the man and his work. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

2nd Edition

The second edition of this highly regarded encyclopedia, intended to reflect both changes in academia and in the world since 1987, includes almost all of the 2,750 original entries -- many heavily updated -- as well as approximately 600 entirely new articles. Preserving the best of the first edition's cross-cultural approach, while emphasizing religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture, this new edition is the definitive work in the field for the 21st century. An international team of scholars and contributors have reviewed, revised and added to every word of the classic work, making it relevant to the questions and interests of all researchers. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

2nd Edition

Coverage begins just prior to the American Revolution, including the Revolution, the framing of the American Constitution, the organization of a new national government, the development of the party system, the Louisiana Purchase, the second war with Britain, the acquisition of Florida and the Monroe Doctrine. Chronologically, this period is roughly from 1754 (beginning of the Seven Years' War) to the inauguration of President Andrew Jackson (1829). Woven among this set of political markers and milestones are entries outlining the cultural development of the new nation, including entries on art, music, literature, dress and daily life. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

1600-1865

With nearly 600 new entries and 1,000 updates, this second editon reflects the far-reaching changes the Middle East has undergone in recent years, making it more relevant and necessary than ever before. Covers the modern history of the Middle East and North Africa, with major sections on Colonialism and Imperialism, the World Wars, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the United Nations' involvement in the region. Each country in the region is reviewed, detailing its population, economy, and government. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

2nd Edition

Providing a comprehensive discussion of the people, politics, economics, religion, culture, and social systems of Russia, this work spans the time from the earliest beginnings of the Russian nation (among the ancient Eastern Slavic tribes) to the end of czarist Russia and on through the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. It provides the necessary information for readers to obtain a greater understanding of and appreciation for Russia in all of its many spheres. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Nearly 700 contributors from around the world, including 25 Asian countries, provide 3,000 articles on Modern Asia from a global perspective. Historical articles emphasize people, places, events, and developments that have had a lasting influence on Asia. Articles also cover Asian relations with Western nations, the relations between nations within Asia, and also the flow of people, goods, and ideas within Asia and globally. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

This six-volume reference on European social history includes more than 230 articles on everything from serfdom and the economy, to witchcraft and public health. Included as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library.