Mongolia /

Nordby's contribution to this series, which is gradually covering all the countries of the world, is similar to the others: primarily directed at more general, English-language users, and unfortunately, featuring poor quality binding and a high price. As with other volumes, subject coverage is broad: geography, history, sociology, politics, language and literature, economics, science and technology, the arts, religion, agriculture, sports and recreation, etc. A few sections (e.g., "Encyclopedias and Directories," "Bibliographies") are helpful guides to other reference works. The series is particularly important, however, when treating lesser-known and more bibliographically esoteric countries, a category into which Mongolia certainly falls. The paucity of the usual series staple (English-language monographs) is pronounced, and Mongolia includes an atypically high number of journal articles and non-English language materials. Nearly 500 entries range in date from the 19th century (e.g., travelers' accounts) through 1992, each with full bibliographical citations and informative annotations. The work concludes with an author-title-subject index and a simple map. Nordby has ably filled a significant void in Central Asian studies. Highly recommended for subject area, academic, and larger public libraries. K. W. Berger; Duke University