In over 970 alphabetically arranged entries, this single-volume encyclopedia examines both high and popular culture in the UK, and encompasses everything British--from architecture to pubs to film to internet to the monarchy. This unique encyclopedia casts its net over the whole range of British contemporary life. Entries range from short biographical synopses of the careers of key individuals to longer overview articles exploring the main issues within contemporary cultural debates. Bringing together subjects rarely found in one volume, the Encyclopedia defines "culture" in its broadest sense, with entries including:

Asian Press; BBC; Black Theatre; Michael Caine; Carnaby Street; Channel 4; Jasper Conran; Daniel Day-Lewis; Drink in Britain; FA Cup; Fantasy Football; Fashion (90s); Food; Football; Gay and Lesbian Culture; Glenda Jackson; Stanley Kubrick; Labour Party; Lucian Freud; Monarchy; Musicals; Notting Hill Carnival; Nick Park; Pop Art; Dennis Potter; Raves; The Rushdie Affair; and much more. The comprehensive system of cross-referencing and thematic contents list help readers to identify entries from particular fields. Students, travelers, journalists and general readers will find this an invaluable reference source on contemporary British life.

Africa is a land of contrasts and of diverse cultures and traditions. It is also a land of conflict and creativity. The literature of the continent draws upon a fascinating body of oral traditions and lore and also reflects the political turmoil of the modern world. With the increased interest in cultural diversity and the growing centrality of Africa in world politics, African literature is figuring more and more prominently in the curriculum. This book helps students learn about the African literary achievement.

The edition of this already classic reference work has been completely updated and radically revised. Originally published in 1985 to great acclaim from social scientists, librarians, and professionals, this work now takes into account changes that have occurred in the social sciences over the past 10 years. Ninety per cent of the entries are new, entirely rewritten, or substantially revised. The new entries cover developments in traditional fields over the last decade, newly vital areas of study such as environmental economics and cross-disciplinary pursuits such as women's studies and cultural studies. Theoretical movements such as post-modernism which were only beginning to be discussed in 1985 are now given prominent coverage.

This unique new title in the acclaimed Encyclopedias of Contemporary Culture series offers a wide definition of culture--including age groups, cities, civil rights, consumption, ethnicity, production, sports, technology and transportation alongside film, literature, music and visual arts. Entries give contextual information as well as factual details and coverage spans from the End of World War II to the present day.