Lively, accessible, and up-to-date, this is the encyclopedia to have close at hand, at home or at work. Its compact size and clear, concise style ensure that you will find the information you need quickly and easily. Over 12,000 entries are here, including coverage of science, technology, the arts, politics, sports, geography, folklore and mythology, inventions, architecture, literature, design, and philosophy. The Encyclopedia also features numerous concise biographies of internationally famous world figures, maps of the world, and is fully illustrated with line drawings and diagrams. Perfect for family reference and students and a handy desk reference for professionals, here is all the information you need in one portable, affordable volume.