Neil's+Reference+Tool

**__Evaluation of Encyclopedias__** //Neil Kettles//

** Donnelly, James S, Jr (Editor in Chief) //Encyclopedia of Irish History and Culture//, Macmillan Reference USA, 2004 **

**Scope:** There is a 17-page chronology presented at the beginning of each volume, from c. 3000 B.C.E to 19 October 2002. The dates become more specific the more recent they are, and more closely grouped together; presumably due to the increasing availability of documentation. The articles in the encyclopedia reflect this trend, with a larger volume concerning later events.

**Quality of Content:** The written content is well laid-out and easy to read; the grammar is functional and the language is accessible to ordinary (English) readers. The various illustrations are clear, and each article includes a bibliography of works used.

**Accuracy of Content:** Excellent. The articles have all been thoroughly researched, and then scrutinized by the editorial board.

**Currency:** This was published in 2004, so does not include any information regarding Ireland’s recent economic issues; however, as a general overview of the events of 1916 it is perfectly adequate.

**Authority of Author and/or Publisher:** The editors listed are all presented with short biographies, and their credentials seem suitably academic. They have all published works regarding Irish History and/or Culture, and hold teaching posts at respected universities.

**Ease of Use:** The information is well laid-out and simple to navigate. However, due to the sheer breadth of the volumes, the books themselves are rather heavy, and the information regarding the 1916 Rising is somewhat scattered about. Bookmarks/post-its would be helpful, as would access to a photocopier or scanner.

**Arrangement of Material:** The articles (for both volumes) are presented at the beginning of each volume in alphabetical order, and there is an exhaustive list of topics in the index at the back. Also, at the end of each article, there is a SEE ALSO section suggesting other articles with related content.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Appropriateness to the Audience:** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">On the one hand this set is somewhat unfocussed towards our chosen topic, and would perhaps be “unwieldy” for tourists who have come with a specific goal in mind. On the other hand, if they have travelled a long way to learn more about Ireland, some of the SEE ALSO suggestions could be a gateway to further, related research.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Format:** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Encyclopaedia is comes in two hardback, colour volumes. It’s physical dimensions are 28.7 x 21.3 x 7.9 cm

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**Cost:** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">According to Amazon: £200.00 for both volumes 1&2.