Full Text Review(s)
[ Afghanistan ]-"This revision of the 1995 edition presents an overview of Afghanistan’s geography, history, government, and culture. The chapters on history and government have been substantially revised and updated to discuss al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the current government, and the author has added a new chapter on the environment. The "Quick Notes" section of the earlier volume has been expanded to include maps of "Economic Afghanistan" and "Cultural Afghanistan." They are accompanied by charts of quick facts, and a new time line compares Afghani and world history. The information is detailed and current through 2005. Illustrated with numerous attractive color photographs, the book would be a good choice for updating a collection, given the many changes in this part of the world in recent years. Libraries that own the older volume will want to replace it with this edition.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ"

[ Canada ]-"This new edition of a title published in 1994 offers a comprehensive overview of life in the world’s second largest country. Pang gives ample attention to all of the elements (historical, geographical, contemporary, and cultural) that combine to define Canada’s national identity. The author explains why it is such a desirable place to live (e.g., geographic beauty, social programs) while objectively addressing some of the less positive features, such as the division between French and English Canada as well as the historical and contemporary difficulties of the Native peoples. There is excellent coverage of Canadian arts but no mention of the sport of curling (where Canada is traditionally dominant on the world scale) in the chapter on leisure. Curious, too, is the fact that all of the political leaders listed are members of the Liberal Party. Full-color photos appear throughout, and the maps are current and easy to read. A time line compares developments in Canada to events taking place in the rest of the world. This worthwhile addition stands equally well with Kristi Desaulniers’s Canada (Chelsea, 2003) and Eric Braun’s Canada in Pictures (Lerner, 2003)."

[ Pakistan ]–"An up-to-date, in-depth look at the country’s geography, history, contemporary issues, and culture. Ample coverage is provided on the many unique aspects of Pakistani life, such as death rituals, the Pashtun code of honor, and the wearing of the burqa. The ritual of circumcision is included, although the author does not explain what the procedure actually entails. The section on the country’s five major groups of people is the best, providing a real sense of the cultural diversity that exists. Full-color photos and maps (including cultural and economic maps) support the text. Useful for both report writing and fact checking, this title provides a solid introduction to Pakistan."

[ Nepal, Sri Lanka ]-"These attractive series titles, embellished with beautiful full-color photographs, present a wealth of information on topics from history and geography to ethnic groups, arts, and religion. These editions contain dozens of new pictures as well as updated information about population and politics from the 1990 originals. A chapter has been added about environmental concerns and the food chapters now include recipes from each country. In addition to the geopolitical map there are economic and cultural maps and information. A 'Time Line' divided into two columns delineates what was happening in the country at certain dates in the left column, and in the rest of the world in the right. These easy-to-read texts are well organized, making them excellent additions for reports."

[ Thailand ]-"Goodman's revision of the 1990 edition describes the geography, history, government, economy, people, religion, language, arts, and culture of this predominantly Buddhist country. The book is well organized with clearly marked chapters and sidebars with additional information. Appealing full-color photographs vary in size from a full page to a half page, each with detailed captions. There are many cultural details included such as recipes, native dress (including a diagram of how to wear a pakama headpiece), astrology, crafts, festivals, and a quick-facts page in the back. The lively text is easy to use for reports and makes an excellent update for most collections."

[ Indonesia, Myanmar ]-"Myriad facts and quality illustrations bring these countries to life. Chapters discuss geography, history, government, economy, and more. In addition to background material, much information on contemporary life is provided. Throughout both texts and in sidebars, the authors offer lots of interesting detail such as discussions in Indonesia of the 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa or its unique Wallace Line that separates vastly different zones of flora and fauna. In Myanmar, folk beliefs such as the caution that one should not have 'a haircut on Monday, Friday, or on one's birthday' will pique interest. In both volumes, the inclusion of the phonetic pronunciations of many of the foreign words is particularly useful. Recipes that use easily acquired ingredients are also included. Appealing, full-color photos, reproductions, and drawings (at least one to a page); and political, economic, and cultural maps accompany the texts. Informative time lines that note Indonesian and Myanmar events in relation to world events through 2001 add a completeness to these books. Worthy additions to any library."

[ Japan, India ]-"Accessible, informative titles. Each volume includes a wealth of information on topics ranging from history and geography to ethnic groups and arts and religion accompanied by beautiful color photographs. The revisions contain updated information about population and politics; a chapter about environmental concerns, which discusses pollution, environmental protection, and endangered species; plus dozens of new photographs. The sections on food now include recipes. In addition to the geopolitical map, both books also contain economic and cultural maps. A favorable new feature in each book is the time line that delineates what was happening in the country under discussion and in the rest of the world at certain dates."