Judaica Reference Sources: A Selective, Annotated Bibliographic Guide

A reference for librarians and others. Provides annotations for approximately 900 monographs selected for their excellence, on every aspect of Jewish life and culture. Arranged by subject, with author and title indexes. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Written for the serious scholar and student of Jewish life, customs, and philosophy, this book is also designed to be used as a tool for the librarian involved in collection development. It updates the first edition published in 1982. The authors, both Judaic librarians, include approximately 900 reference works, most published between 1970 and 1992.

Titles are arranged by form and then subject; author and title indexes conclude the work. The book is divided into two parts; section 1 deals with general reference and section 2 with subject reference. The range of general reference works includes encyclopedias, computer software, filmographies, and travel guides. Section 2 chapters cover a wide range of subject areas, including the Holocaust, biblical studies, Zionism, and literature. The longest chapter in the book, "The Jewish Communities of the Diaspora," is divided by country.

Each entry includes all bibliographic information and an annotation. Most titles are in English, but there are some in Hebrew, Yiddish, or European languages. Titles that belong in more than one chapter are cross-referenced in the secondary location.

This work covers a wide range of topics related to Judaic study. Some of the titles listed are accessible to the interested casual reader, but most are written for the expert or one who wishes to become an authority. Because of its scholarly focus, this source will be most appropriate in academic, special, or large public libraries.