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Encyclopedia review - Am Reference Annual 19
777. Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential. 2d ed. Edited by Union of International Associations. New York, K.G. Saur, 1986. 1v. (various paging). illus. index. $200.00. ISBN 3-598-21864-8.
Though there has never been a shortage of problems facing the world, this title is a unique sourcebook which attempts to comprehensively compile these problems and the human resources available to respond to them. The main section contains forty-seven hundred paragraph-length entries on various problems gathered from the United Nations, other international agencies, and from relevant periodical literature. These range from matters like crime, proliferation of nuclear arms, and overpopulation, to ignorance, pain, and wasted waiting time. As the editors note, some of these identified problems present contradictions indicative of conflicting attitudes: capitalism/communism, atheism/dependence on religion.
Typical entries include a description of the nature of the problem, plus information on its origins, incidence, and a representation of the diversity of opinion on the issue. This main section is accompanied by several coordinated sections dealing with related categories of concepts such as "Human Values", "Strategies", and "Communications". There is an extensive index with full name and keyword entries.
This sourcebook is published by the Union of International Associations in order to promote the effectiveness of international bodies through the collection of information and the classification of concepts. A first edition was issued in 1976 with the title Year-book of World Problems and Human Potential. Although this edition eliminates some of the material better left to other tools, such as a list of international organizations, it still suffers from a complex and perplexing style. The purpose, utility, and interrelations of many components are not readily apparent. It contains an extensive introduction and a series of appendices which are essential preliminary reading.
Given the price and format of this work, it is not for every reference collection. It is most suitable for a research collection dealing with international concerns or the theoretical aspects of the social sciences, particularly terminology and the structuring of conceptual frameworks.
Henry E. York
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