ABC‐Clio's range of 7,000 e‐books can be read, browsed, bookmarked and printed, providing a wide range of easily accessible sources for students and researchers. The text is large and clear, illustrations are included, and the layout is simple to navigate, with a separate contents panel, linking to individual chapters and subjects.
Encyclopedias like Faces around the World by Margo DeMello work well in this format, because individual entries can be selected and printed, inclusive of further reading suggestions, to be used in school projects, or cross‐referenced with other works on a broader level. The topical arrangement of entries quickly summarises the comprehensive content of the encyclopedia, covering every aspect relating to the face, from ageing and beauty, “modifications” and adornments, expressions and artistic representations, to cultural, health and religious issues around the world.
DeMello rightly asserts that the face is a “visual thumbprint”, socially important in presenting who we are and how we communicate with others. Not only are four of the five senses found on the face, but first impressions of beauty, gender and ethnicity are based upon the symmetry, shape and colour of facial features. We also use faces to show and read emotion, even to the point where we see “happy” and “sad” faces on inanimate objects like cars! Darwin also asserted that humans and certain animals have a shared genetic history, evolving a basic range of expressions to display anger and fear that are more nuanced in the human face, which has more muscles and features. Dogs, for instance, will “smile” to show submission to other pack members.
The encyclopedia contains a broad mix of entries covering different physical and social representations of the face, from anthropometry to tattoos and even phrases and symbols. Vividly illustrated and rich in cultural detail, Faces Around the World will appeal most to students, for both browsing and searching. Readers can learn about distinctive facial markings like the Bindi and Maori Moko tattoo, unusual procedures from Otoplasty (ear shaping) to tribal neck rings, and the religious symbolism of making a cross on the forehead in Christianity. More topically, social networking site Facebook and the first face transplants in Europe and the US are also mentioned. Each entry is cross‐linked and lists sources for further reading, and there is a separate bibliography.
