Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics
CHOICE Review
Cooper's dictionary provides concise entries that lack bibliographic references. Derived, in part, from Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (14th ed., 1989), it draws several entries from Brewer without change. Its strengths lie in a number of areas. There are several lists, such as crosses, colors in symbolism, apostles, numbers, Bible versions, patron saints, symbols of saints, and institutional members of the World Council of Churches. Selected Old Testament persons are named, such as Methuselah, David, and Goliath, but not Solomon, Moses, or Noah. For comparative religion, it provides short descriptions; commentary at greater length may be found in J.D. Douglas's New International Dictionary of the Christian Church (2nd ed., 1978). Cooper also gives concise explanations of events, liturgies, and Christian concepts. One of the strongest points of Cooper's book is its concise biographies of saints, including feast days. He adds several saints not found in Brewer, and expands on some, such as Gregory I. David H. Farmer's The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (3rd ed., 1992) devotes more space to each saint and includes bibliographies, but Cooper includes many not found in the Oxford dictionary, such as those of Russia, Sweden, and Italy. This dictionary provides a concise, ready reference source for people and activities in the Christian church. Recommended for undergraduate collections. R. Hartsock University of North Texas
Booklist Review
This dictionary is based on the references to Christianity in Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. In keeping with the aim of providing "essential facts about the main branches of the Christian churches," the entries derived from Brewer are supplemented by entries covering major developments since his time (e.g., the ecumenical movement and the Second Vatican Council). More attention is also given to Eastern Christianity, reflecting the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church since the fall of communism. The preponderance of new entries, however, are devoted to expanded coverage of the saints, who were treated selectively in Brewer. The dictionary has tried "to make a selection which covers a wide spectrum of saints and martyrs of different eras, countries, and character, and to include some of the interest and charm of the more singular legends derived from literature, myth, and folklore." Other interesting entries include lists of colors and what they mean in Christianity, patron saints, and churches belonging to the World Council of Churches. No information is given regarding the affiliation or qualifications of the editor. While coverage of Christianity on a worldwide basis is adequate, English Christianity receives the most thorough treatment, and a note indicates that "ecclesiastical usages are those of the Church of England except where otherwise indicated." In at least two instances the Episcopal Church is referred to as the Protestant Episcopal Church, although "Protestant" was dropped from the official name more than 25 years ago. Though most of this information is available elsewhere, libraries that need a source with concise coverage of past and current Christianity will find this book useful. (Reviewed April 1, 1996)
