The 12th edition of Fact File offers, as with previous editions, statistics aimed at students mainly in schools, but including colleges. The aim of the collection of graphs and tables is to stimulate discussions and further investigations in subjects such as English, Sociology, Social Biology, Maths, Economics, Geography, General Studies, Science, Religious Education, Personal and Social Education and Modern Studies. As such the publication not only acts as a reference tool but also offers an aid to classroom teaching.
The publishers have aimed to include stimulating and thought‐provoking information on current topics. Sections are themed and offer a variety of data. For example, in the section Animals there is information on the water vole population, fox hunting statistics, animal cruelty, population trends for small birds and birds of prey, global trade in wildlife and African elephant population. Four new sections have been created for this edition, Energy, Royalty, Sexuality and Wealth & Finance. In response to feedback from readers existing sections have been expanded and re‐arranged.
The book succeeds in presenting information in an interesting way; pages are clearly laid out with illustrations complementing the tables and graphs. Fact File is available in bound and ring binder formats. This offers the versatility of keeping a reference volume and having an easily copiable version. It is attractively produced in A4 format between soft covers, and is recommended for school, college and public libraries.
