Review by Booklist Review
This comprehensive three-volume set details the history and development of trades and professions from prehistoric times to the twenty-first century. Chronicling more than 12,000 years of worldwide occupations, the author provides the reader with thoroughly researched entries and interesting facts about each trade and profession. More than 300 expertly written and objective entries range from the animal herders and cave painters of more than 10,000 years ago to modern-day veterinarians and website designers. The entries are organized chronologically into 21 distinct time periods and are generally organized into 6 categories of occupations, including rulers, farmers, artisans, warriors, religious leaders, and entertainers. Entries conclude with a bibliography and a list of primary documents for further reading. Each volume contains a table of contents of the entire set and an introduction to select topics. The first volume focuses on prehistoric people and the ancient civilizations in Egypt, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The second volume contains entries about Africa, the Americas, and medieval to preindustrial Europe and Asia. The third volume documents occupations from the American Revolution to the modern era. Both the second and the third volumes contain entries about occupations during significant time periods, including revolutions and spheres of influence, which led to the development of modern countries. The third volume concludes with a significant list of recommended print and online resources and an extensive set index. Each volume contains photographs and illustrations of artifacts and memorabilia. Westfahl has collected a tremendous amount of information about trades and professions throughout human history, and this set is recommended for most public and academic libraries.--Wick , Harrison Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
