Dictionary 1

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Dictionary of Government and Politics

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Collin, P. H. (ed.). (1998). Dictionary of government and politics. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers.

PURPOSE

This dictionary was published as a tool to learn the vocabulary used in government and politics, in both Britain and the United States.

AUTHORITY

The dictionary was published almost 10 years ago, but the terminology is still relevant. Some terms have changed or been added to the political lexicon, but not enough to warrant this dictionary out of date. The author, P. H. Collin, has published several dictionaries in various disciplines.

SCOPE

The audience for this dictionary includes anyone needing to understand political terminology within the United States and Great Britain.

FORMAT

The entries are all about the same length, easy to read, and understand. The entries are just like those one would be familiar with using in a regular dictionary.

ARRANGEMENT

The dictionary is arranged alphabetically, very much like a general dictionary. No index is included with this dictionary, although one is not needed, as the entries are organized alphabetically.

ENTRIES

A pronunciation of the term is included with each definition, as well as the part of speech, and a definition (or two) of the term. 5,000 entries are included within the dictionary.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The only special feature is the supplement that is at the back of the book that provides information about the legislative and political structures of Britain and the United States (Collin, 1998).

USE

This dictionary can be used to locate commonly used terms in the United States and Great Britain, dealing with political behavior, government structure, etc. It helps users better learn the terminology associated with government practices. Anyone who deals with the governments in either country will find this dictionary to be informative.

CRITIQUE

At $53.95, according to Amazon.com, this dictionary will be helpful at any college library for the American government student or the advanced political science graduate student who needs to understand different government terms. The focus on American and Britain government terminology makes this resource different from other government dictionaries. If the college library has internatinoal relations or comparative government classes, students will be able to get even more use out of the dictionary, than just a political dictionary dealing with American politics. The entries are easy to follow and understand and are informative. This dictionary will be a good addition to a college library.

REFERENCES

• Amazon.com. (n.d.). Amazon.com: Dictionary of Government and Politics: Books: P.h. Collin. Retreived May 5, 2007, from http://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Government-Politics-P-h-Collin/dp/1579580726
• Collin, P. H. (ed.). (1998). Dictionary of government and politics. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers.
• Information originally posted on LI813 Spring 2007 Class Wiki; information last updated there, May 7, 2007.

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