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May 2007 Update
The latest update to Oxford Reference Online: Premium Collection includes extensive and wide-ranging reference content from natural history, to medicine, to classics. Complementing the Encyclopedia of Mammals, added to Premium in January 2007, are the fantastically illustrated and comprehensive New Encyclopedia of Birds (see screenshot) and Encylopedia of Underwater Life (see screenshot).
To further enhance classics content, new to Premium is the authoritative Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World.
The impact of science fiction on the English language is explored in The Oxford Dictionary of Science Fiction, and medical content is enhanced with A Dictionary of Public Health).
There are also three new editions in this content release — Oxford Guide to Countries of the World, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music, and Concise Medical Dictionary.
New Timelines
In addition two new Timelines — Ireland and Modern Design — have been added to Oxford Reference Online: Premium Collection.
New Functionality
Added to all this is some superb new functionality. To help you more easily locate the information you want, the search results page has been modified to show only one quick dictionary definition. This allows the reference results to be displayed more prominently. You can still click through to all the full English dictionary results list if you choose.
In addition, entries with sub-sections have been redesigned to be easier to navigate. There are now 'sidebar' boxed text to the right-hand side of the page, detailing the title of the sub-section and the first few words, and a link through to the full text. The navigation list on the left-hand side of the screen has also been changed so that the tabbing better reflects the structure and heading of the entry. For an example, see a screenshot of The Encyclopedia of Underwater Life, "Sea Anemones and Jellyfishes".
Find out about Walpurgis Night, read quotes from Einstein, and discover the meaning of life - view a range of sample entries from the Premium Collection here!
Premium Collection
NEW TITLES
The Oxford Dictionary of Science Fiction by Jeff Prucher
This is the first historical dictionary devoted to science fiction. It shows the development of science-fiction words and their associated concepts over time, with full citations and bibliographic information. Citations are drawn from science-fiction books and magazines, fanzines, screenplays, newspapers, comics, folk songs, and the Internet. The dictionary reveals how many words we consider to be everyday expressions, like 'space shuttle', 'blast off', and 'robot', have their roots in imaginative literature and not in hard science. It also charts the transfer of science-fiction vocabulary to different subcultures and endeavours, such as neo-paganism, aerospace, computers, and environmentalism.
Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World Edited by John Roberts
Spanning almost one thousand years, from the first Olympic Games in 776 BC to the death of Marcus Aurelius in AD 180, this accessible and wide-ranging reference work draws on the groundbreaking Oxford Classical Dictionary to present more than 2,500 entries on the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. The dictionary covers key aspects of ancient Greek and Roman life and literature, such as science, social structure, philosophy, and religion, and contains comprehensive articles on central figures, both real and mythological, from Achilles to Zeno.
The New Encyclopedia of Birds Edited by Christopher Perrins
The New Encyclopedia of Birds is the definitive single-volume guide to birds of the world. Entries prepared by a team of renowned biologists and conservationists give a systematic account of every family, covering their form and function, distribution, diet, social behaviour, and breeding biology. With one-eighth of all bird species now under threat, special attention is given to environmental and conservation issues.
Encyclopedia of Underwater Life Edited by Andrew Campbell and John Dawes
A breathtaking insight into underwater life, this encyclopedia offers unrivalled coverage of the fish and aquatic invertebrates that inhabit our rivers, lakes, and oceans. It describes in detail the anatomy, behaviour, habitat, breeding, and conservation status of species: from microscopic, single-celled organisms swept along by water currents to gigantic powerhouses of the deep. Fascinating feature articles examine some of the strangest and most interesting aspects of these species in more depth, such as the origins of coral reefs; the cycle of the salmon; and how fish produce and use artificial illumination.
A Dictionary of Public Health Edited by John M. Last
Covering all aspects of public health, this book serves as both a quick and handy reference tool and a vehicle for more leisurely browsing. The Dictionary of Public Health is an alphabetical listing of almost 5,000 words and phrases used in public health science and practice. It offers definitions, discussion, and an occasional brief commentary on the relevance of each term to people and their health. This volume is a trusted resource for answers to questions that arise in the course of public health practice, whether in the office or in the field, in interactions with the public or with the media.
Premium Collection
NEW EDITIONS
Oxford Guide to Countries of the World by Peter Stalker
This invaluable global handbook contains separate entries for every country in the world. Each entry gives a succinct overview covering the contemporary social, economic, religious and political issues that shape the country. It also contains vital statistics such as GDP, life expectancy, income distribution, and Internet use.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music by Michael Kennedy
Derived from the classic Oxford Dictionary of Music, this is the most authoritative dictionary of music available in paperback. Up-to-date and clearly written, it is a rich mine of information for lovers of music of all periods and styles. Written by Michael Kennedy, a renowned authority on classical music and chief music critic for The Sunday Telegraph, from 1989 to 2005, the dictionary includes over 14,000 entries on musical terms from allegro to zingaro, and on musical works from Aida to Tosca, as well as musical instruments and their history, composers, librettists, musicians, singers, and orchestras. It also boasts comprehensive works lists for major composers. Fully revised and updated, the 5th edition of this established reference work contains over 200 new entries, including information on approximately 150 new performers.
Concise Medical Dictionary
This best-selling and market-leading dictionary contains over 11,000 clear and concise entries, covering all aspects of medical science. Written by a team of medical experts, the entries are accessible and jargon-free, and complemented by over 140 illustrations and diagrams. The 7th edition has been fully revised and updated to cover changes in this fast-moving field. Entries on techniques and equipment, drugs, general medical practice, health service organization, and treatment have all been reviewed, and updated where necessary. The dictionary has also been expanded in many areas, notably medical ethics, clinical governance, emergency medicine, pathology, and diagnosis. Selling over 650,000 copies in previous editions, this is an indispensable reference guide for students, as well as those working in the medical and allied professions. It is also an invaluable home reference guide for the general reader.
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