Full Text Review(s)
"Similar to the publisher's Peoples of the Americas (1999), this attractively designed set 'uses geography and national identity to organize information' on 44 countries. Entries are arranged alphabetically by country. Each contains a short introduction to the country, including its landscape, climate, and history. The bulk of each 5 to 30 page entry deals with the people occupying the nation today. All of the following areas are treated: religion, housing, clothing, language, health and education, food and drink, family and social life, and art and music. Political upheavals, economic turmoil and hardship, war, and ethnic disputes are covered with commendable frankness and clarity. Where ethnic groups cross national boundaries, they are cross-referenced.

Each volume begins with clear pictures of the flags of the countries treated in that volume, followed by a volume table of contents. (Volume 1 also has a set table of contents.) Each volume, as well, ends with a volume glossary, bibliography, and index. Illustrations are copious and eye-catching. The full-color relief maps, inset maps showing the position of the country relative to the rest of Europe, color and black-and-white photographs, and detailed captions help make the layout inviting to browsers and effective for locating information. Boxes for 'Facts and Figures' (basic demographic information and quick facts) and climate are color-coded and easy to locate. A time line runs along the bottom of multiple pages of each entry. Special information boxes add facts or formative myths that are unique to each country. In general the text, written by college- and university-affiliated subject experts, is clear and accessible to readers and researches from the middle school level on up.

The final volume contains a comprehensive bibliography (print, online, and fictional resources) and index along with a one-page listing of significant music of Europe, a pronunciation guide to foreign words by country, a list of national days by both country and date, and separate indexes for biographical and geographical information, arts, festivals, foods, peoples and cultures, religions and religious ceremonies, and sports and games. Given the wealth of information, excellent indexing, and attractive format, this is a recommended purchase for middle school, high school, and public libraries."

"These volumes are targeted at the middle school level and describe the 44 European nations, including how they are different and how they are similar. The profiles introduce each country by highlighting its geography, history, religions, and life-style information (language, health conditions, cuisine, family life, the arts, music, and social customs). The narrative also describes the nation’s current political situation. Each chapter has a gazetteer of demographic statistics, major cities, languages, currency, and so on. A useful feature is the historical timeline covering major events in each country’s history. Although the sections are short, as appropriate to the target audience, a substantive amount of information is provided. These sketches portray the individual flavor of each country and its impact on life today. For example, the reader learns that in the 1500s the Italians invented the musical notation we still use today and that Jan Van Eyck of Belgium invented oil painting in the 1400s.

Each volume has a glossary and a bibliography for further reading for each country. The set concludes with a general index as well as specialized indexes by biographical names, geography, arts, music, festivals, food, people and culture, religions, and sports. There is also a pronunciation guide and a list of National Days.

This is a useful reference to whet the appetite of young students of European history and instill an appreciation for the many contributions these countries have made to the world’s culture."