Coverage in
Great Lives from History: The 18th Century
is broad in its variety of areas of achievement, as well as geographical scope, with a worldwide focus that includes extensive coverage of non-Europeans and women. Of course, the set includes the recognized shapers of history essential in any liberal arts curriculum. Its lengthy essays provide in-depth biographies, including annotated bibliographical resources. Major world leaders appear here, as well as the giants of religious faith who were central to the century: philosophers, educators, heads of state and religious leaders who left their imprint on political, as well as spiritual institutions. What makes this resource unique is the inclusion of figures who have received little attention in the past, from Abd al-Wahhab to Peg Woffington and Yongzheng. More than 40 nations are represented. Each essay ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 words in length (6-10 pages) and displays standard ready-reference top matter offering easy access to biographical information. Several features distinguish this series as a whole from other biographical reference works. The front matter includes the following aids: Complete List of Contents - this alphabetical list appears in both volumes; Key to Pronunciation - a key to in-text pronunciation appears in both volumes; List of Maps and Sidebars - the front matter of each volume contains a section of maps displaying major regions of the world during this century; and cross-references. The back matter to Volume 2 includes several appendices and indexes: Rulers and Heads of State - a geographically arranged set of tables listing major world rulers and terms of office; Chronological List of Entries - individuals covered and arranged by birth year; Category Index - entries by area of achievement, from Architecture to Women’s Rights; Geographical Index - individuals by country; Personages Index - includes those covered, as well as many others discussed in text; and Subject Index - concepts, works, battles, etc. This title replaces the 18th century biographies from
Dictionary of World Biography: 17th and 18th Centuries
and expands coverage by more than 60 percent. In this set, more than a third of the essays are completely new. What’s more, new ready-reference data, illustrations, primary source quotes, appendices and updated bibliographies add to the edition’s value.