Asian and Pacific Islander Americans

Salem Press adds to its Great Lives from History series and database with this three-volume reference. Like others in the series, it will serve as a first-stop source of information for high school level students and general readers. Editor Okihiro (Columbia U.) provides an introduction explaining the scope and noting that for the purposes of this reference the region under consideration includes East Asia (Japan, Korea, and China) at one end, and West Asia, including Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey at the other end. The 667 entries profile more than 667 people (some entries profile more than one person), most of whom have not been included in previous works in the series. Entries range in length from 1,000 to 2,000 words and were written specifically for this publication following a standardized format: succinct introduction, basic biographical data, synopsis of importance, an essay on early life and life's work, significance, and annotated further reading list). Some include a b&w photo, and some entries include a boxed sidebar with additional information. Appendices include a chronological list of entries (by year of birth), mediagraphy, literary works, organizations and societies, libraries and research centers, a bibliography, and website directory. A category index (area of achievement) and a geographical index accompany the comprehensive index. Online access to the contents is included with purchase of the print edition. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)