Rating: 
Summary: For the Geographically Challenged
Review: This is an all-around good reference. It is well organized with readable sized print, and an excellent bargain.I use it for spelling purposes, clarification (where in the world is that?), population, and solving the odd crossword puzzle and acrostic. I use it far more than I thought I would, and it hasn't failed me yet. I am writing as an average consumer without specific professional needs in this reference. Judging by the easy format and the understandable structure, I would say I was the type of user the editors had in mind. I believe it would earn its keep on your reference shelf.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply outstanding
Review: This is an excellent reference book that covers a myriad of geographical locations. The maps are also excellent. I highly recommend this book. A previous reviewer claims that the editors made an egregious mistake by including Slovenia as part of the Balkan states. Maybe that person should do a little research because virtually every resource, including Microsoft Encarta, includes Slovenia in the Balkans. And yes, the Ottomans did conquer Slovenia. The Ottomans had to surrender Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia to the Hapsburgs in 1699. The editors of this book got it right on the money. As for that reviewer -- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
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