The Kentucky Encyclopedia

Rating:
Summary: Complete!
Review: Being a huge fan of dictionaries and encyclopedias; I simply had to examine The Kentucky Encyclopedia by John E. Kleber(Editor), et al. Whilst, I am not a resident of the state of Kentucky ( I live in Atlanta, GA), I have a neverending thirst for knowledge and therefore I thought that it would be pertient for a person of my taste to read and furthermore examine the mentioned item. It starts out with a beatifully detailed map of the state with all the counties; it follows up with a list of all the people whom contributed to this grand project which was printed by the venerable University Press OF Kentucky. The editorial staff section is also a nice touch and shows how much work that is required to produce on of these encyclopedias. The table of contents is also well developed with the following sections: Foreward, Preface, Kentucky: A Historical Overview by Thomas D. Clark, The guide for readers, The kentucky Encyclopedia, Biblographic essay and finally the index. The The first three sections, i.e., the Foreward, the Preface, and the longer article, Kentucky: A Historical Overview by Thomas D. Clark, are all written in a scholarly tone without being stuffy or pretentious. Especially the Clarke article is fascinating in its coverage of the founding of the State of Kentucky. The guide to readers is also helpful for people that are not accustoimed to using encyclopedias. The entries themselves are well written and the font chosen does not detract from the information. For instance if one wants to know whom Charles P. Farnsley was then one should rread p.309 and realize that amongst many things he was the major of Luisville 1948-1953 and that he received his bar in 1930. The index is also a blessing in its ease of use and makes the searching experience very enjoyable. Overall, this is the encyclopedia to get if one is remotely interested in the state of Kentucky and I would definetely recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Spectacular Reading!
Review: If you buy only one book about Kentucky, this is the book to buy. Every aspect of Kentucky history is covered in detail. This is a compilation of articles submitted by over 500 people on various topics ranging from prehistoric Kentucky to modern times. Each one is a facinating description of Kentucky history that reads like a short story. I never tire of reading this book! Is is a must read for anyone who has ever been to or lived in Kentucky.

Rating:
Summary: Ky history buffs
Review: Very informative book. Well organized.