From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-Short chapters on the history of the Mongol Empire and the Communist era are followed by others that detail the advent of democracy, the economics of transition, the environment, the herding life, art, and the changing culture (religion, sports, games, holidays, and the media). The problems involved in such a transition are fully described. Each chapter concludes with numerous notes, often citing online sources. The annotated list for further reading consists primarily of adult materials. The format is dense, relieved only occasionally by an uninspired black-and-white photograph. The writing, while somewhat pedestrian, is clear, straightforward, and accurate, with a few very minor exceptions (e.g., a sculptor would cast rather than "carve" bronze images; and India, a part of Asia, cannot thus "intersect" with Asia). A solid choice for report writers and others needing detailed material on this country's last 80 years.Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Nations in Transition series explores the independent governments formed after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia. The series is designed to give readers and researchers clear and thought-provoking portraits of each of these nations. Each volume surveys the history, culture, and political and social changes of the past few years and includes 25-35 photographs, a chronology of key events, easy-to-understand maps, and a further reading section. Mongolia was first united in the 13th century by the legendary figure Genghis Khan. At its height, the Mongolian Empire stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Black Sea. In later periods, the empire was dismantled, and first China and then the Soviet Union exerted control over Mongolia. Today, change is once again redefining the social, political, and economic features of Mongolia. The Buddhist traditions that were once repressed are flourishing again, and the country is struggling to implement economic reforms. Mongolia explores the history, culture, and lifestyle of a society that has long intrigued the Western world, bringing to life a country and a people most readers know little about. Providing an in-depth look at Mongolia's past and current situation, this book offers a comprehensive survey of the various political, economic, social, and cultural changes Mongolians have endured over the past 800 years.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA - Cass Kvenild

This Nations in Transition series will be a godsend to students trying to find clear, factual information about the sometimes confusing near-history of developing countries. The series currently stands at fifteen volumes, most of which discuss former Communist countries that experienced tumult after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Updated editions are available for existing titles, including Romania and Hungary. The series would benefit from the future inclusion of other troubled regions, such as Haiti or Indonesia. The tone and quality of the series varies. Although lacking any obvious regional specialty, the author of Mongolia makes the subject come alive. Her mix of facts and anecdotes is engaging. The description of the execution of Genghis Khan's pallbearers kept this reviewer reading through the less dramatic events after his death. Sidebars about important people and events are included. There is a short chronology of the nation's history, and the index is excellent. The book leads off with a quick historical overview and then settles down to describing Mongolia's recent transitions and their effects on the economy, environment, art, culture, and traditional way of life. This resource is excellent, and because many small libraries will not have multiple volumes about this country, this one's lively and current description of life in Mongolia will be welcome. For students researching countries on which there are few available homework resources, this series is invaluable. More thorough and easy to digest than a literature review of magazines and newspaper articles, the books are ideal for junior and senior high reports. Although they might be out-of-date quickly, with thelow price and the periodic publication of new additions, aging should not be a primary concern. (Nations in Transition).. VOYA Codes 4Q 3P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2004, Facts on File, 152p.; Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology., Ages 12 to 18.

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