Historical Dictionary of Yemen: 72 2nd Edition

This dictionary promises to be an invaluable reference tool. … The only work of its kind in English. Essential. ― CHOICE, June 2010

In this update to his original 1995 edition, Burrowes (Yemen Arab Republic) expands the book’s scope to incorporate events occurring within the last decade and a half, broadening the number of definitions to more than 800. Alphabetized, fully cross-referenced entries run multiple paragraphs in length and profile the figures, religious concerns, organizations, battles, regions, foreign policies, and broader concepts that have shaped historical and contemporary Yemen. The book opens with an informative subject chronology, dating to 1200 C.E. Recommended for collections focusing on Middle Eastern studies and cultural anthropology. ― Library Journal

There is a lot to like about Scarecrow’s various Historical Dictionaries series. The books are written by experts in the area or country that is covered. All contain well-written brief histories of the country and chronologies that, though they cover historical time periods, heavily feature more recent events. Brief A–Z entries cover the main people, politics, social issues, foreign affairs, institutions, and policies that make the country unique. Extensive bibliographies are divided into several general subject areas….Yemen is familiar to most Americans. It has been featured prominently in national news and U.S. foreign policy recently, and the Historical Dictionary of Yemen should help the curious figure out some of the intricate tribal relations within the country as well as provide a better understanding of the unique variety of Zaydi Shi’a and Shafii Sunni Islam practiced there. In particular, the entries on the various governmental structures imposed first by the Ottomans, then by the British, as well as entries on postindependent nationalism, provide strong background on the united Yemeni government that exists today. All university libraries as well as larger public libraries will be well served. ― Booklist, July 2010