Written for advanced high school as well as undergraduate college students, this reference the editors' selection of just over 500 topics that focus on key political and religious figures worldwide; geographic areas and cities; and general issues such as gender, globalization, reform (with separate entries for five geographic areas), and terrorism. Though topics that are specifically of interest to non-Muslim westerners are included, the strength of this work derives from its coverage of topics that are perennially pertinent to the Islamic world per se, particularly those that involve traditional aspects of religion (both Sunni and Shiite) and traditions of behavior. This focus is a reflection of the editorship: Martin (Islamic studies and history of religions, Emory U., Atlanta) is joined by three other Islamists representing different fields (sociology, theology, Islamic studies), and from different countries (the US, Canada, Iran, and South Africa). Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)