From Library Journal
A compendium of social science and humanistic information on South Asia presented in an intelligent and beautifully illustrated volume. The book is organized into major divisions of land, peoples, history, economics, religions, society, and culture. Robinson brilliantly coordinates the contributions of 70 Indic authorities from India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. From one author to another, the prose is consistent, has little overlap, and is richly illustrated with maps, figures, and tables. Each article is from four to six pages in length and is followed by a brief list of readings which are up to date and represent the best available studies. Despite the conflicts present in the area's history, politics, and religion, the treatment of each is balanced. This reference tool is the best availabe single-volume treatment of South Asia.- John F. Riddick, Central Michigan Univ. Lib., Mt. PleasantCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Book News, Inc.
A major single-volume reference to southern Asia. For the seven countries, contains information on history (pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial), geography, climate, demography, politics and foreign relations, economy and development, education, health, laws, language, art, traditions, and life styles. Includes many photographs, reproductions of art, maps, and charts. A short glossary does not indicate pronunciation. The jacket cover has a shorter title, ending after Sri Lanka. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book offers for the first time a comprehensive study of South Asia in one volume, analyzing not only the riches of the past but also the problems and achievements of the present, placing them where appropriate in their global context. The South Asian region, which comprises the present day states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, has long been significant in world affairs. Today more than one out of every five members of the human race lives in the region, and each month their absolute number increases by well over a million. This fifth of mankind embraces enormous diversity: every level of human development from stone-age tribesman to Nobel prizewinner; many levels of wealth from mass poverty to comfortable middle class consumerism; the believers of seven major religions; the bearers of three racial strains; and the speakers of languages in two major families with India alone acknowledging fourteen official languages and 1,652 mother tongues. The international team of contributors presents the world of South Asia in an accessible and enjoyable form, which will appeal to both specialists and general readers. The Encyclopedia is richly illustrated with many photographs, maps, and tables closely interwoven with the text.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

A compendium of social science and humanistic information on South Asia presented in an intelligent and beautifully illustrated volume. The book is organized into major divisions of land, peoples, history, economics, religions, society, and culture. Robinson brilliantly coordinates the contributions of 70 Indic authorities from India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. From one author to another, the prose is consistent, has little overlap, and is richly illustrated with maps, figures, and tables. Each article is from four to six pages in length and is followed by a brief list of readings which are up to date and represent the best available studies. Despite the conflicts present in the area's history, politics, and religion, the treatment of each is balanced. This reference tool is the best availabe single-volume treatment of South Asia.-- John F. Riddick, Central Michigan Univ. Lib., Mt. Pleasant

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