Encyclopedia of Disaster Relief

Penuel (director, Ctr. for Catastrophe Preparedness and Response, NYU) and Statler (Richman Family Director of Business Ethics and Social Impact Programming, NYU Stern Sch. of Business; Everyday Strategic Preparedness) attempt a very broad approach to disaster, including economic disasters. They also aspire to include sociological effects. The result is a bit strained, heavy on description and a light on analysis. More than a quarter of the 242 entries are "relief case studies," e.g., "Measles (1850-Present)" and "Thumb Fire, Michigan (1881)." Most of the articles are a page or two long. "History of Disaster Relief, Europe" and "United Nations" both rate four pages, but merit more. Likewise, more expansive articles on UN subagencies would be welcome, as would any number of maps given the international scope. Many articles are alphabetized under amorphous headings like "mass casualty management," "intergovernmental relations and preparedness," or "state governments." This makes the index, the list of articles, and the classified reader's guide all absolutely essential to a reference approach. There are 135 contributors, largely American or British, drawn from academia and public and private agencies. The helpful further readings appended to each article are current and include websites. An appendix including Homeland Security Guidelines is a nice addition, though these are readily available elsewhere. BOTTOM LINE For high school and college students lacking historical background, these volumes might work. Researchers needing more depth on relief efforts will move quickly to monographs. Librarians might consider waiting to examine a half-dozen forthcoming titles, e.g., the three-volume Encyclopedia of Natural Disasters (CRC Pr.) or Humanitarian Logistics (Kogan Page).—Janice Dunham, John Jay Coll. Lib., CUNY