A compendium of 2,500 explanatory essays on the most important concepts that have shaped the modern world. Arranged alphabetically, the terms encompass all fields of inquiry. Each entry defines the term, sets it in historical context, examines how the concept fits into current thinking as well as where it may lead in the future, and provides suggestions for further reading. Thoroughly cross-referenced. Essentially for nonspecialists and especially suitable for browsing. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.