Synopses & Reviews
Here is a reference that no library or student should be without. This volume is the most comprehensive resource available for information on every country in the world, political leaders, systems of government, political theories, international organizations, and much more.
In three volumes and more than 700 entries, you'll find articles on Nelson Mandela, Communism, the concept of direct democracy, the United Nations, NAFTA, and other influences on world politics such as human rights issues. Each country's article includes key information, such as the name of the country in both English and the native language and the capital city, plus the political history of the country; the current government institutions; the country's role in world and regional politics; its wars, alliances, and human rights record; and other notable events. In short, each article is a snapshot of the country's history and government framework.
The Companion is written and designed to make finding just the information you need as easy as possible. It is written in natural and easy-to-understand language and its extensive cross-references, sources for further reading, and index are useful guides for study and research. Even more information is available in appendices that include global maps, further reading (including addresses for international news magazines and on-line and CD-ROM sources), and a table of each country's population and area statistics. And there's a "How to Use This Book" section that sets out step-by-step instructions for finding specific words, concepts, countries, and world leaders, or for using the Companion as a topical reference for a particular aspect of world politics (such as the "green revolution" or war crimes directed against political prisoners).
Governments of the World: A Student Companion is the perfect reference for middle and high school students, but teachers, librarians, and parents will also find it an indispensable source of information about current world affairs. It is a superb addition to the Oxford family of fine references.
Review
"This is a source people might like to have by their sides as they watch the news unfold on television and as they read daily papers and weekly news magazines. Entries are straightforward and concise, but give enough detail to enhance comprehension, and offer suggestions for further reading for the interested researcher. Governments of the World should be purchased for libraries serving junior high/high school students. It is also a good choice for adult patrons because it gives background and context on current events in a readable and accessible form."--Booklist
"This set contains more than 700 alphabetically organized entries that focus on 20th-century events and developments that have shaped political systems around the globe. World leaders, countries, important historical events, political ideologies and movements, international organizations, and political terms are included."-School Library Journal
"Political theories, systems, and phrases are clearly defined... information is up-to-date and easy to read... Students of comparative politics can profit from this companion's wealth of information and the parallel construction of the articles. Recommended for undergraduates, high schools, and public libraries."--Choice
"Combines the features of an encyclopedia, a political science dictionary, and an almanac... This set not only covers world governments in its seven hundred entries, it also covers political terms, ideologies, biographies of prominent world leaders past and present, famous women, and historical information on concepts and organizations like the United Nations... The "Further Reading" list for all the countries is one of the best I have ever seen."--VOYA
About the Author
Richard M. Pious is professor of political science at Barnard College and the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He is the author of
The Young Oxford Companion to the Presidency of the United States,
The American Presidency, and
The President, Congress and the Constitution.