The international book of days /

IBD for 2004 chronicles some 1,500 of the most important lives and military, political, religious, and cultural events in world history. Arranged by month, with a brief, informative essay about each month, then by day, this reference emphasizes national and religious holidays and momentous dates in the ancient and modern histories of over 125 countries. The potpourri of entries covers birthdays of significant historical figures (Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Michelangelo, Sun Yat-sen), a wide assortment of events (Mussolini's execution, Elvis Presley's appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the opening of the Holland Tunnel, Elizabeth II's coronation), and includes some cross-references to other essays in the book and to essays in its companion volume, The American Book of Days (4th ed., CH, Mar'01, 38-3612). Both informing and enlightening, the book is enhanced by 400 photographs and maps. It is easy to read and has an index that makes fact finding simple. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Public and academic libraries. D. J. Turner Auraria Library

A companion volume to the fourth edition of The American Book of Days, also by Christianson, this fun-to-browse book presents an international tour of holidays and major historical events. Organized by day of the year, the book covers some 1500 key events in world history: December 15th, for example, is the date the Bill of Rights was ratified, jazz musician Glenn Miller disappeared while flying over the English Channel, and Communist rule in Romania crumbled. The book is weak on cross references and good-quality maps but features an extensive index and a highly legible format. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 9 Up-This companion to The American Book of Days (H.W. Wilson, 2000) includes more than 1500 political and cultural events, holidays and celebrations, and birthdays of individuals over the course of human history. A sampling of the entries, which are arranged by month and day, offers a look at the range of topics covered: âÇ£League of Nations Is EstablishedâÇ  (January 10), âÇ£Phagwah, Hindu Festival of ColorsâÇ  (March 11), âÇ£First Use of Lunar RoverâÇ  (July 31), and âÇ£Marriage of Ferdinand and IsabellaâÇ  (October 18). Within a few paragraphs or half page, substantial biographical and historical information is provided. However, as with any book of this type, readers may wonder why some events and festivities were included and others omitted. Also, there is no explanation for including the full texts of the âÇ£Charter of the UN,âÇ  âÇ£Universal Declaration of Human Rights,âÇ  and âÇ£The North Atlantic Treaty.âÇ  Overlap between The International and The American Book of Days is minimal. Helene Henderson's Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary(Omnigraphics, 2005, 3rd ed.) is generally less detailed. Most libraries will want all three titles.-Tina Hudak, St. Bernadette School, Silver Spring, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.