  | ||
|
|
 
Choice - American Library Association - Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, founded in 1964, is a publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. Choice's primary mission is to assist librarians who build collections at the undergraduate level by providing concise but critical reviews of current scholarly books and electronic resources.September 2009 REFERENCE - Social & Behavioral Sciences Great events from history: modern scandals, 1904-2008: v.1: 1904-1972; v.2: 1972-1998; v.3: 1998-2008; Indexes, ed. by Carl L. Bankston III. Salem Press, 2009. 3v bibl indexes afp ISBN 9781587654688, $295.00 Like an academic Hollywood Babylon (1975; Kenneth Anger), Modern Scandals, a three-volume set on scandalous events from the last 100 years, documents pop culture subjects in a luridly fascinating, encyclopedic way. Entries are organized in chronological order, by date of scandal, followed by a descriptive headline. Entry sections include "Abstract," "Locale," "Categories," "Key Figures," "Summary," and "Impact." Entries conclude with an annotated section of further reading suggestions and a see also section with cross-references to other encyclopedia entries. This set features many excellent images, some rare or never before published. Volumes 1-3 each have a table of contents and keyword content listing. Volume 3 includes a bibliography, chronological list of entries, and geographical/category/personage/subject indexes. Scandal categories range from "Art" "Business," and "Film" to "Politics," "Popular Culture," "Sex," "Sports," and "Women's Issues." Familiar scandals like those described as "Millionaire Heir Murders Architect Stanford White" (1906) or "King Edward VIII Abdicates" (1936) are contrasted with the more obscure "Sex and Spy Scandal Rocks Canada" (1966) or the sensational "Paris Hilton Sex-Tape Appears on the Web" (2003). Interestingly, volume 1 covers 1904-1972, whereas volumes 2 and 3 cover 1972-2008, suggesting that recent times may be more scandal-wracked, or possibly that the definition of scandal has changed. In a wiki world, these well-researched, well-written entries provide solid, academic information and a good starting point for researchers. The work is also fascinating and engrossing--a real page turner. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers. - T.S. Hefner-Babb, Lamar University--Beaumont |
 |
SALEM PRESS, INC. · 131 North El Molino Avenue · Pasadena · CA 91101 © Salem Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |