Books in the Oxford Quick Reference series

In a field riven by controversy, the Oxford Companion to Irish History is a comprehensive and balanced source of information on the history of this complex and fascinating country. Written by a team of almost 100 experts, the Companion's 1,800 A-Z entries explore Irish history from earliest times to the beginning of the 21st century.

A delightful collection of over 7,000 quotations on nearly 600 subjects, from Memory and Humour to Television and Weddings. Arranged thematically, it is easy to find the quotations you are looking for. With useful author descriptions and index, this collection is fully accessible whilst remaining a pleasure to browse.

A unique gazetteer that clearly explains the fascinating origins and meanings behind the names of over 1,700 places, streets, and areas within the English capital, including the Greater London Boroughs. It also features maps, an extended introduction on the development of these place-names, a detailed glossary, and recommended web links.

Over 1,900 entries provide succinct and accessible explanations of a variety of terms used in art, covering materials, techniques, styles, and periods. From abstract expressionism to Renaissance, batik to zincograph, this dictionary will help you navigate the wide variety of terms used in the art world.

The fourth edition of the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of ecology available. Written in a clear, accessible style, it contains over 6,000 entries on all aspects of ecology and related environmental scientific disciplines, and is fully weblinked.

This new edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Dance provides the information necessary for dance fans to navigate the diverse dance forms in the 21st century, with new coverage of dance forms that have grown in prominence over the last 10 years, many new biographical entries, and a greater emphasis on the international dance scene.

This acclaimed papal Who's Who contains updated biographical accounts of all the popes from St Peter to Pope Benedict XVI. Arranged chronologically it provides a continuous history of the papacy as well as their irregularly elected rivals (the so-called antipopes). It is fully indexed for quick reference and includes recommended further reading.

An up-to-date handbook providing an overview of every country in the world. Maps and geographical details are given along with the historical and contemporary social, economic, religious and political issues that shape each country. Also provides economic and social indicators, such as GDP and life expectancy, and hundreds of useful web links.

This is the most acclaimed, accessible, and up-to-date dictionary of the Bible available. Containing over 2,000 authoritative entries, ranging from earthquakes and mice to martyrs and art, it covers all of the important places, personalities, themes, and doctrines of the Bible.

An authoritative and accessible guide to the British monarchy from pre-conquest rulers to the present day House of Windsor. Maps, photos, paintings, and genealogies accompany a wealth of information on the kings and queens of Britain. Find out about their lives, personalities, policies, key dates, places of residence, legacies, and much more.

This best-selling dictionary contains over 2,500 succinct entries covering Western art from the ancient Greeks to the present day. It includes biographical entries, styles and movements, materials and techniques, and museums and galleries. Engaging, informative, and up-to-date, it is an invaluable guide to art in the Western world.

This is an invaluable source of information about the people, places, and events that have shaped the history of Britain over the past two millennia. From wars, battles, and the monarchy to Wembley stadium, Robin Hood, and the Black Death - this book contains all the facts you need to know.

The Oxford Companion to Cosmology includes over 350 in-depth entries, extensively cross-referenced, describing the modern view of cosmology, including both theoretical ideas and the various types of observational evidence. It is generously illustrated with diagrams and half tones throughout, and includes entry-level web links.

The most wide-ranging, comprehensive, and up-to-date dictionary of archaeology available. Over 4,000 entries cover artefacts, techniques, terminology, people, places, and periods. The second edition includes strong coverage of archaeological resource management and archaeological theory. An essential book for amateurs and professionals alike.

The Oxford Guide to Arthurian Literature and Legend offers a comprehensive survey of the Arthurian legends in all their manifestations, from the earliest medieval texts to their appearances in contemporary culture. Essential reading for Arthurian scholars, medievalists, and for those interested in myth and legend.

The only dictionary available focusing on UK law enforcement, this invaluable volume covers every aspect of criminal law including pathology, forensic medicine, commerce and trade, criminology, and psychology. Essential reference for trainee and practising police officers, and other professionals needing clear definitions of law enforcement terms.

The Oxford Guide to Plays provides information on 1000 of the most important plays in world theatre. Each entry contains essential information including title, author, dates of composition and first performance, genre, composition of the cast, a synopsis of the plot, and a brief commentary.

A new edition of an authoritative dictionary containing almost 2000 weather, forecasting, and climate terms. With useful appendices, satellite images, black and white photos, and new feature entries, this is a fascinating and indispensable reference work for anyone studying, or with an interest in, weather.

This fascinating dictionary covers all aspects of the study of animal behaviour. Concise, clear and wide-ranging, it is ideal for students, amateur naturalists, and anyone else with an interest in animal behaviour and psychology.

Presents a dictionary thay provides definitions of units, prefixes, and styles of weights and measures within the Systeme International (SI), as well as traditional, and industry-specific units. This work is useful to professional scientists, engineers, technicians, as well as to students and the general user.

Compiled by one of the best-known authorities on the bard's works, this dictionary offers up-to-date information on all aspects of Shakespeare in his own time and on his impact and influence on later ages. Essential reference for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare.

An A-Z dictionary edited by John L. Esposito for general readers on the faith, institutions, movements, and concepts of the modern Islamic world. Approximately 2000 entries span the religious, political, and social spheres of modern Islam with background historical entries and particular emphasis on Islam and the West.

An authoritative and enlightening guide to the origins of over 16,000 English surnames and their development over the centuries. Different forms of names are cross-referenced for ease of use. Includes a fasinating historical and linguistic introduction to the subject, and an appendix on tracing the origins of family names.

Covers the musical terms in English and other European languages generally used in Western music. This dictionary features over 2,500 A-Z entries which provide definitions across a range of subjects including rhythm, metre, scales, harmony and counterpoint, notational systems, performance practice, computer applications, genres, and more.

This accessible and unique approach to grammar comes in two parts: the first section consists of a practical guide on how to understand and use grammar successfully, and the second is an extensive A-Z glossary of grammatical terms. It is ideal for both language students and anyone wanting to improve their written and spoken English.

Rhyming slang is a subject of perennial interest to the general language-conscious public. Entries are arranged in subject areas, such as clothing, food and drink, and animals. John Ayto explores the range and development of rhyming slang during its 150 year history, from traditional Cockney Rhyming Slang to the popney rhyming slang of today.

This authoritative guide gives the non-musician the fundamentals of orchestral music. It begins with a general introduction to the symphony and various musical styles and then describes, chronologically, over seven hundred pieces-from Vivaldi to twentieth-century composers. Mordden also includes a glossary of musical terms and other useful aids for the music lover.