The New York Public Library Desk Reference, Second Edition
by:
Project, The New York Public Library
Publisher:
Hungry Minds Inc
Published:November 1, 1993
ISBN:0671850148
Format:Paperback
Pages:944
Description:
From Library Journal
A new reference tool put together by Stonesong Press, a packager, with a staff of freelancers. The project bears the imprimatur of the New York Public Library, and former President Gregorian has written a brief introduction. More
like an almanac than anything else, this includes much information found in standard yearly almanacs. Its strength is that it concentrates on information most frequently sought and picks out bits and pieces found in familiar reference sources, such as
Chase's Annual Events, Bullfinch's Mythology , the Abbreviations Dictionary , and many more to intersperse among the almanac-type information. Symbols, orders of animals, brief surveys of major writers, etiquette, forms of address, and stain removal are
just a few of the topics covered. Although the book won't replace anything already owned, the language is clearer and simpler than that found in most almanacs, making it an easier first choice to search for information. Some areas are glossed over, such
as math formulas, some are extraneous, such as giving "representative" zip codes for cities, and some appear arbitrary, such as including Ethical Culture as a major world religion. The book's biggest drawback, though, seems to be currency. Publication
dates of suggested readings at the end of chapters are generally old. And since a large part of the book is devoted to addresses and phone numbers, currency is extremely important here. In spite of these few limitations, this appears (galley was seen
without charts, maps, illustrations, or index) to be a useful new compendium. Good for libraries and as a home desk reference.
- Marguerite Mroz, Baltimore Cty. P.L.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of
print or unavailable edition of this title.
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