Against the Grain

Volume 19 | Issue 3 Article 23

June 2007 From the Reference Desk Thomas Gilson College of Charleston, [email protected]

Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/atg Part of the Library and Information Science Commons

Recommended Citation Gilson, Thomas (2007) "From the Reference Desk," Against the Grain: Vol. 19: Iss. 3, Article 23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7771/2380-176X.5380

This document has been made available through Purdue e-Pubs, a service of the Purdue University Libraries. Please contact [email protected] for additional information. From the Reference Desk by Tom Gilson (Head, Reference Services, Addlestone Library, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401; Phone: 843-953-8014; Fax: 843-953-8019) Anyone who watches ESPN and its various part of a well rounded reference collection. pedias and this is a timely addition. Medieval spin-off channels is aware that extreme sports Given the popular interest in the topic, they Islamic Civilization: An Encyclopedia (2006, are emerging from the margins to gain main- may also want to add it to their circulating 0415966914, $350) is a two-volume set that stream attention. A new reference, the Berk- collections. Larger public libraries may also aims to “bridge the gap between what we shire Encyclopedia of Extreme Sports (2007, be interested for similar reasons. perceive Islam and Islamic civilization to be 0-9770159-5-5, $125) takes a serious look at about and what it really is.” While the religious this growing component of the international aspects of Medieval Islam are treated, the em- sports scene and attempts an “in-depth dissec- The Encyclopedia of Activism and Social phasis is on the broader culture and civilization tion of this new and emerging phenomenon.” Justice (2007, 141291812X, $495) is a new of the Muslim world. The Encyclopedia also Many of these sports like rock climbing, three-volume set published by Sage that fo- tries to inform the reader about “what Muslims hang gliding, ski jumping, motorcross, snow- cuses on the history, inherent diversity and did to contribute to European understanding boarding, windsurfing, and the Iditarod are evolving nature of activism worldwide. As the of the sciences, mathematics, arts, literature, familiar. But others like canyoning, extreme title implies, coverage is limited to activism philosophy, and government.” ironing, parkour and buildering are little known with the “espoused goal of social justice.” At For the purpose of this work, the Islamic and have small followings. Naturally, the En- the same time, as editors Gary L. Anderson world extends from the Iberian Peninsula cyclopedia has articles that discuss all of these and Kathryn G. Herr note, it is an activism across North Africa and the Mideast to South- sports. There is also coverage of major person- “that goes beyond conventional politics.” An east Asia. The timeframe runs from the first alities and pioneers of extreme sports like Tony examination of the topics discussed, and the year of the Islamic calendar, 622 CE through Hawk, Ryan Nyquist, Ricky Carmichael, treatment they receive, confirms this. the 17th Century. As hinted at above, the ar- Evel Knievel, and Shirley Muldowney. The articles in this encyclopedia are devoted ray of topics discussed is equally wide rang- Unlike many of the more traditional sports, to a broad variety of activism. Environmental, ing. Besides entries dealing with sciences, extreme sports are not team based. They stress feminist, legal and judicial, as well as activism mathematics, arts, literature, philosophy, and the individual and are high risk, thrill seeking related to labor and social class, health and government, there are those that discuss travel activities. Bearing this in mind, the Encyclo- welfare, and gay and transgender issues are all and pilgrimage; women, gender, and families; pedia wisely devotes a substantial amount of covered. In addition, there are essays on activ- law and jurisprudence; daily life; and of course, coverage to the physical and psychological ism as expressed in literature, art, music and religion and theology. aspects, as well as the social context, of ex- popular culture, as well as entries on people and Edited by Josef W. Meri and consisting treme sports. These articles range from those personalities that have been, and are currently, of contributions from an international group on gender, injury, and the psychology of risk, social activists. Although the predominant of scholars, there are more than 700 entries to those on violence, commercialization, and coverage is of movements of the political left, comprising the set. These articles are informed the spiritual aspects of extreme sports. The individual entries run the gamut from the anti- by the latest scholarship but written in a style articles are informative and well researched. nuclear movement to anti-pornography activ- accessible to both undergraduates and the in- They are generally written by academics and ism; civil disobedience to the Christian Right, formed lay reader. A bibliography is included all have bibliographies of relevant sources, and the National Organization for Women for each article as are “see also” references some quite extensive, especially those deal- the NRA. Interestingly, there are also articles linking related articles. Also grouping related ing with the social and psychological issues. on groups like the Irish Republican Army, the articles is a well developed thematic list of (The entry on the Meaning of the Extreme has Khmer Rouge and Hezbollah because their entries. A solid general index provides access a bibliography of more that 100 citations from espoused goals include social justice regardless to information by specific page number. How- a diversity of sources ranging from Websites of the violent methods they employ. ever, given that Arabic words and phrases are to academic journal articles.) Although the articles are written for an referenced throughout, one suggestion for future Berkshire Encyclopedia of Extreme Sports academic audience they are factual and jar- editions is to provide a pronunciation key. is a scholarly treatment of an increasingly gon free and will appeal to the informed lay Medieval Islamic Civilization: an Encyclo- popular phenomenon. While extreme sports reader. The length of article relates to the pedia offers an accessible, balanced and well are mentioned in other sources like Rout- extensiveness of the topic and run from one to rounded approach to a complicated topic. With ledge’s Encyclopedia of International Sports five pages. There are bibliographies for each its diverse coverage of Islamic civilization, as Studies (2006, 0415277132, $595) and the entry but many of them are brief. This is one well as its discussions of other religions and Berkshire Encyclopedia of World Sports (2005, area where any future edition might expand its interfaith relations, it provides a welcomed 0974309117, $395), this current work is unique efforts. Organizing and providing access to all perspective. The stress in this reference work in its comprehensive and focused view. Aca- this information are a full list of entries, a topi- is on the inter-relatedness of, rather than, the demic libraries supporting sports science and cal index or Reader’s Guide, and a thorough clash of civilizations. It would be a valuable physical educa- and comprehensive index. and worthwhile addition to most academic tion programs As any fine subject encyclopedia does, the collections. will want to Encyclopedia of Activism and Social Justice consider it as helps add scope and definition to its field of study. It also offers a strong factual base for When discussing the World Wars of the those researching the concepts and themes 20th century, a great deal of attention is usu- of social justice and activism, as well as ally given to military strategy, battlefield for those studying specific movements events, and international politics. The newly and organizations. Both academic and published Home Front Encyclopedia: United larger public libraries where there is States, Britain and Canada in World War I and an interested audience will do well to II (2007, 1576078493, $285) offers another consider it. perspective. Edited by James Ciment and published by ABC-CLIO, this three-volume set gives Routledge has published the 13th the reader a sense of the dramatic societal volume of its Medieval Series of encyclo- continued on page 61 60 Against the Grain / June 2007 ABLM springerlink.com

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reference works on the World Wars. It offers “data from more than 200 books, articles, and From the Reference Desk a unique and important viewpoint not given reports.” The source is noted for each rank- from page 60 full exposure in other sources. In addition, the ing given. However, these entries only list the articles depict not only what was happening title and date. Specific pages are not provided changes that engulfed the home front, as well on the home front, they often note resulting and this is an oversight. Grey House might as their long term effects. There are almost changes and how they helped shape future also consider including a complete listing of 700 articles in this set written by more than 100 developments. All in all, this is a good choice all these sources in one general bibliography. international contributors. The first volume is for libraries wanting a broader perspective on It would help the reader get a better sense of devoted to coverage of World War I while the World Wars reflected in their reference the diversity and quality of the sources being the second volume deals with World War collections. used. Nonetheless, these category rankings II. Each of these volumes consists of distinct are interesting, revealing, fact-filled and fun sections that first provide biographical sketches to browse. of prominent figures and then offer essays on Grey House Publishing has just released But perhaps the most useful information relevant subjects. The biographies range from a new edition of one of their most popular and from a research standpoint comes in the movie stars to war heroes and from writers useful titles. America’s Top Rated Cities: A statistical tables covering the business and to government officials. Topical coverage Statistical Handbook (2007, 9781592371846, living environments of each city. On the extends from sports and politics to race riots $195) now in its 14th edition, ranks what its business side, these tables provide figures and labor unrest; and from music and film to editors consider the top 100 cities in the US on demographics, finance, employment, real religion and the changing role of women. The with populations of 100,000 or more. The set estate, taxes, transportation, businesses, and third volume contains 70 primary source docu- is divided into four-volumes covering the fol- hotels and event sites. Statistics reflecting the ments ranging from George M. Cohen’s World lowing regions: southern, western, central and living environment include climate, housing, War I anthem Over There to Wilson’s Fourteen eastern. Ratings from a variety of sources, as education, health care, cost of living, major Points and from Winston Churchill’s Blood, well as a numerous statistical tables are pro- employers, public safety, recreation, the media, Toil, Tears, and Sweat speech to Roosevelt’s vided for each city. hazardous waste and air and water quality. State of the Union Address in 1945. The third Each entry starts with a background es- America’s Top Rated Cities: a Statistical volume also contains a chronology, glossary, say describing the city and noting its various Handbook offers highly useful profiles of and bibliography for each of the World Wars. characteristics. This is followed by rankings each city covered, as well as comparative Black and white photos and illustrations in number of categories including business and information related to rankings. Whether it is compliment the text throughout. The articles finance; women and minorities; seniors and for a marketing report or a prospective reloca- themselves are straightforward and factual retirement; children and family life; health and tion, this reference provides a fascinating and and should appeal to upper level high school environment; dating and romance; sports and informative starting point for anyone studying students and lay readers, as well as lower divi- recreation; and culture and performing arts. the cities covered. Both public and academic sion undergraduates. There are also rankings for general and miscel- libraries will find America’s Top Rated Cities The Home Front Encyclopedia: United laneous topics from the most pet friendly, to the a valuable addition to their collections. Li- States, Britain and Canada in World War I and most drivable, to the most literate. According braries that own the 2006 edition will need to II will prove a useful compliment to the other to the editors the rankings are derived using continued on page 62 Against the Grain / June 2007 61 Book Reviews — Monographic Musings Column Editor: Debbie Vaughn (College of Charleston)

Column Editor’s Note: The onslaught of crime dramas on the small and large screens are but one piece of evidence of people’s fascination with mysteries and detectives. Shows such as House, Bones, and Numb3rs consistently top ratings for their time slots, and the very fact that both CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Law and Order have evolved from singular programs to multi-program franchises indicates that Americans can’t seem to get enough suspense, inspection, and “ah-ha!” moments. No matter what the context is — be it a police precinct, a forensic laboratory, or even a hospital — folks are crazy about detectives. This month, Monographic Musings celebrates the popularity of the detective genre with some investigations of its own—investigations into recent publications, that is. From the detective story’s origin to a comprehensive look at female sleuths, this column has it covered. tive theory, her book focuses on four themes: Happy reading, everyone! — DV the female investigator in gothic novels, lesbian detective novels, television, and film. Dresner’s coverage of each topic is all- Panek, LeRoy. The Origins of the American Detective Story. Jefferson, NC: encompassing — it is obvious that she has McFarland, 2006. 0786427760 (10); 9780786427765 (13). 235 pages. $35.00. taken great pains to complete thorough research into a variety of female sleuths. In the first Dresner, Lisa M. The Female Investigator in Literature, Film, and Popular Culture. chapter, which focuses on the female investi- Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2007. 0786426543 (10). gator in gothic novels, Dresner highlights five 9780786426546 (13). 240 pages. $35.00. best-sellers: The Mysteries of Udolpho (Ann Radcliffe), Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen), Reviewed by Debbie Vaughn (College of Charleston) Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë), and The Woman in White and The Law and the Lady (Wilkie Collins). Each of these novels is scrutinized One of my favorite places to eat in the inspection of the progress of the genre in the and all references to the heroines’ “almost-de- Charleston area is a restaurant called Poe’s first half-century, noting how the authors built tective” status — that is, the heroines’ reliance Tavern. The eatery’s namesake, Edgar Al- upon their predecessors’ work as well as the on a man to ultimately solve the crime — is len Poe, was stationed at Fort Moultrie on similarities and differences of their stories. spelled out. The second chapter, which focuses Sullivan’s Island in 1827, just down the street The second chapter focuses on Arthur Conan on the female investigator in lesbian detective from the tavern. It was during Poe’s stint in Doyle’s great detective, Sherlock Holmes. novels, highlights a variety of protagonists: the South Carolina lowcountry that he was Panek analyzes Doyle’s success through the Nell Fury, Nancy Clue and friends, Virginia inspired to write such tales as “The Gold Bug” development of the mass media, dramatic ad- Kelly, Harriet Hubbley, and Kate Delafield. and “The Balloon Hoax.” Though LeRoy Lad aptations and parodies of his work, and other These investigators’ stories receive the same Panek speculates that Poe, the inventor of writers’ use of Doyle’s literary style. In chapter meticulous analysis as those in chapter one, the detective story, was influenced by crimes three, Panek investigates why the police were and the common thread of car trouble appears that took place in Philadelphia and New York not central characters in early detective fiction; throughout. The third and fourth chapters, City, I can’t help but wonder if he might have he attributes some of this to the then-infancy of covering female investigators in television also been influenced by the superstition and the police detective profession. Chapter four and film, delve into characters from Angela legends that permeated Charleston society tackles the role of science and the scientist in Fletcher to each of Charlie’s Angels (both the in the 19th century. By nature, legends are crime stories — some of the excerpts provided small and silver screen versions). Dresner shrouded in mystery, and it is only fitting that by Panek read like an early 20th century ver- concludes with a chapter about Rebecca — a Poe should eventually create a hero to solve sion of CBS’s popular tale of forensic pathol- novel that embodies each of her themes by such obscurities. ogy, CSI. The most interesting chapter might originating as a gothic novel, inspiring a lesbian In his book The Origins of the American be the fifth, which examines ‘breakthroughs” detective novel, and hitting both the small and Detective Story, Panek explores the detective in 19th and 20th century pseudoscience; phre- large screens. It must be said that Dresner’s in fiction during the late-19th and early-20th nology, racism, and sexism certainly had their narrative voice is not necessarily one of fe- centuries. The first chapter is a wash of the turns in the spotlight when it came to “under- male power. I expected to find tribute to the first 50 years of sleuth stories, highlighting standing” the minds of criminals. Chapters six dominant, intelligent female detective; how- Poe; the crime sensation novels of Metta through ten each focus on different heroes of ever, Dresner points out that even the books, Fuller Victor and Anna Katharine Green; the detective fiction: journalists, private investiga- television shows, and movies that entertained “ex-detective” work of Emma Murdoch Van tors, women, lawyers, and “everybody else.” me — such as Jane Eyre, Moonlighting, and Deventer; and the work of Julian Hawthorne Panek rounds out his book with “last thoughts” Silence of the Lambs — type the female leads (son of Nathaniel). Panek offers thorough in chapter 11. as incompetent and/or slightly insane. While Panek’s work offers a broad over- Both The Origins of the American Detec- view of the birth and childhood of detective tive Story and The Female Investigator are fiction,Lisa M. Dresner wears a more focused academic in scope — Panek and Dresner lens in her book The Female Investigator in include extensive bibliographies and indexes, From the Reference Desk Literature, Film, and Popular Culture. In and Dresner’s notes comprise 30 pages of text. from page 61 her introduction, Dresner states that no one If you seek a quick guide to specific characters has created a “comprehensive theory that or milestones in detective fiction, then these decide if the extra year’s information is worth adequately theorizes the place of the female are not the books for you. If, however, you the added cost. However, given that the indi- detective”(1). She provides an overview of wish to access in-depth information about each vidual volumes can be purchased separately, the literature about female detective fiction authors’ subjects, then you will find a wealth another option might be to purchase the most and concludes that such fiction presents female of knowledge in these works. recent edition for the region that you are most investigators as “fundamentally flawed”(2). interested in. With hopes to bridge the gaps in female detec-

62 Against the Grain / June 2007