The Routledge International Encyclopedia of Education

Once upon a time an editor's introduction annoyed me. The purpose of a reference book, surely, was to find information, and quickly. The last thing needed was a mass of prefatory matter. But latterly I find such introductions addictive and get cross when deprived of them or they are too cursory. How was this book compiled? Why? What was the compiler's philosophy? How is it different from others? The Routledge International Encyclopedia of Education has one of the most thoughtful and enjoyable introductions I've seen and it provides an excellent template for any future encyclopedia compiler. Thus we start by...