Europe 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World

2004 - Booklist Editor's Choice Reference Title

2004 - CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title

"Editor Dewald no doubt had plenty of help from associate editors and perhaps must share credit for the clarity of purpose and excellent execution of this reference project...The articles were written for a non-specialist audience in accessible, non-technical language; yet they do not condescend or over-simplify. Concise accounts of controversies and various interpretations of material from scholars with distinctive points of view enrich the presentations (we\'re spared the bland, neutral approach of a textbook). "

"In the distinguished tradition of its Encyclopedia of the Renaissance (1999) and Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1982-1989), Scribner has published a new encyclopedia that is even grander than these earlier award-winning multivolume works. This handsome set is impressive in the breadth of its coverage, from the mid-fifteenth century, a period of relative stability following the chaos of the late Middle Ages, to the French Revolution...Major topics are represented by extended, in-depth essays, but the more tangential entries—Concubinage, Madness and melancholy, Sanitation, Virtue—are also worthwhile and informative..The first volume contains a nine-page introduction as well as a helpful 120-page chronology dividing notable subjects into three categories—Art and Architecture, Drama and Music, and Literature and Scholarship...Numerous gorgeous illustrations are sprinkled throughout, including an eight-page color section in the middle of each volume. Some of the Renaissance paintings reproduced here are breathtaking and provide a good argument for print encyclopedias over online counterparts. Landmark pieces of art and architecture are also splendidly exhibited here...Overall, this is a fine set, from its beautiful physical appearance and stunning covers to the scope and depth of its coverage. Recommended for academic and large public libraries."

"Looking for European world history from 1450 to 1789? This is the place where researchers can find a wealth of information...If you need an authoritative work that places important people, such as Peter the Great, Galileo, Rembrandt, Louis XIV, Shakespeare and Velazquez, in their time periods; would like to trace the building of Versailles; or watch the growth of Venice, this reference fulfills that wish. It will be a good starting point for students who need to select a topic for world history reports when they are studying these centuries...Certainly it should be accessible to your students."

"Europe 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World shows Scribners continues to set the bar for excellent historical reference works. Recommended for large public and undergraduate libraries, particularly those with strong European history collections. "

"This encyclopedia covers from the revolution in print to the French Rebolution, a busy, exciting, and an important historical time frame. What is heartening is that a confidently presentd set of books is here that is as usable as the Web and has the expertise of the academy behind it. "