Encyclopedia of Life Science is a two‐volume reference that is aimed at US high school/college biology students grades 9‐12. This corresponds to ages 14‐18 year old students and the main content of the book reflects the fundamental concepts and principles that underlie the content standards for life sciences as identified by the National Committee on Science Education in the US. At the beginning of each volume is a table detailing the entries categorised by these National Science Education Standards (NSES). As well as this required content the book caters for student awareness of the nature of science and the process by which scientists gather information. This includes concepts which “unify the life sciences with physical science and Earth and space science” along with science in personal and social perspectives. Volume 1 contains entries A to G (Aids‐Griffith (Frederick)) and Volume 2 obviously H to Z (Haeckel (Ernst)‐Zoology)!
There are 12 featured essays ranging from Gene Therapy and Cystic Fibrosis (two pages) to the Colony Collapse Disorder Crisis for Honeybee (four pages) which are listed on the contents page. These tend to concentrate on topical issues and are written by “guest essayists”. The other entries are of differing lengths – both short and long with the average being roughly 2,000 words. Some interesting entries are on influential scientists including living scientists such as the Canadian molecular biologist Sidney Altman (1939‐) and those who are no longer with us like Aristotle and Darwin. These sections are quite detailed including biographical background as well as their contribution to modern science.
Good clear colour pictures and diagrams occur throughout the two volumes. These include pictographic diagrams showing for example the water cycle with clear explanations, chemical diagrams for the Calvin cycles and electro‐micrographs of biological membranes. These complement the 200 cross‐referenced entries which include many see also entries with further reading detailed at the end of many entries. The information provided uses clear language with the use of sub headings to give each entry structure. However, the main entry headings are not clear in the text – being in lower case and the same size font as other sub headings – sometimes you do lose track of where you are. Entries are comprehensive and include standard biological terms such as evolution and marine biology as well as more up to date terms such as biodiversity and gene therapy. They cover concepts, theories, sub‐disciplines, biographies, common methods, and techniques relevant to modern science.
Seven appendices at the back of Volume 2 are useful including a chronology from 350 BCE, an extensive glossary and further resources (including books, internet resources, journals and organizations). These are followed by a 29 page index covering both volumes which is repeated at the back of each volume.
Katherine Cullen was a postdoctoral fellow at Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky and holds a doctorate in molecular biology from Vanderbilt University. She now teaches as a visiting fellow at Oberlin College, Ohio. These two volumes would be useful in any library covering grades 9‐12.
