A welcome update of an essential and widely used index for young people first published in 1970 under the title Index to Young Readers' Collective Biographies . Suitable for elementary to high school students, this edition lists 9773 people, 2528 more than the third edition (1979). Included is a key to indexed books, alphabetical and subject listings of the biographees, and an index of books by titles. The index of books by titles notes biographies in each title and ordering information. A large number of titles are unfortunately out of print (noted by o.p.), reflecting the current state of affairs in children's books, but many libraries will already have them. Overall, this is a good, clear, easy-to-use reference, essential for all school and public library shelves.-- Annette V. Janes, Hamilton P.L., Mass .
Two main sections: alphabetical listing of biographies which contains information about birth, death, nationality, and field of activity; second section lists individuals under their fields of activity and nationalities. Some subject areas appear for the first time in this edition. Among these: Libyans; martial arts figures; eccentrics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)