The Reference Shelf 2008

Complete explorations of current topics in affordable, handy volumes!

The Reference Shelf 2008 consists of four titles devoted to topical issues, one title on the topic chosen for the U.S. National Debate, and a sixth presenting a compilation of the year’s most notable speeches. Each book in the Reference Shelf series offers extensive exploration of a pressing topic in modern society, in a compilation of notable articles from respected publications, abstracts of 20 to 30 additional articles, and a bibliography of other sources.

Engage the minds of readers with outstanding articles on headline issues from popular publications and notable authors.
Balanced coverage of headline issues, with outstanding articles written by experts.
A one-stop source for up-to-date information.
Ideal starting point for further research: each book provides abstracts of 20 to 30 additional articles plus bibliographies of print and Web resources.
Add topicality to your shelves with books that focus on headline issues.

To order the entire set of 6 titles ($220 for the set) contact Customer Service.

($240 for the set outside the U.S. & Canada)

Each title is shipped as soon as it is published. Titles can also be purchased individually at $50 each ($55 outside the U.S. & Canada).

Celebrity Culture in the United States

Charts the emergence of American celebrity culture, the kinds of people who achieve celebrity status, the continually evolving term “celebrity,” and what the country’s obsession with celebrity says about society and culture.

"An insightful examination of America's fascination with celebrity... may lure teens through its reference to current celebrities, but once engaged, readers will find a provocative hook into deeper issues of American culture that reach far beyond Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Highly recommended for high school, public and academic libraries." — Gale Reference Reviews

◘ ISBN 978-0-8242-1078-6

◘ February 2008
◘ $50
◘ $55 outside U.S. & Canada

Water Supply

Offers an overview of the best methods for providing fresh, potable water to the world community, with an emphasis on the challenges posed by geography, a continually expanding population, changing weather patterns, and widespread drought, among others.

◘ ISBN 978-0-8242-1079-3
◘ April 2008
◘ $50
◘ $55 outside U.S. & Canada

The U.S. National Debate Topic 2008-2009:
Alternative Energy

Focuses on the topic of the upcoming National High School Policy Debate (an annual tournament involving students nationwide), which questions whether the U.S. federal government should dramatically increase alternative energy incentives.

◘ ISBN 978-0-8242-1080-9
◘ June 2008
◘ $50
◘ $55 outside U.S. & Canada

The American Presidency

The Executive office is explored, from its initial conception by the founding fathers through to its modern-day incarnation, as well as the role of the vice president and the potential for a female or minority candidate assuming the office.

◘ ISBN 978-0-8242-1081-6
◘ August 2008
◘ $50
◘ $55 outside U.S. & Canada

The Next Space Age

Examines humanity’s ongoing efforts to explore the universe, focusing on the various national, multinational, and private endeavors that are currently underway while also charting some of the more significant triumphs and tragedies of the Space Age.

◘ ISBN 978-0-8242-1082-3
◘ October 2008
◘ $50
◘ $55 outside U.S. & Canada

Representative American Speeches 2007-2008

This compilation of the year’s most notable speeches from politics, business, and academia gives a concise snapshot of the year’s most significant issues.

"Captures some of the most important ideas around key issues from the past year, providing valuable primary source documents for current research. Recommended for high school, public and university libraries." — Gale Reference Reviews

◘ ISBN 978-0-8242-1083-0
◘ December 2008
◘ $50
◘ $55 outside U.S. & Canada

Also Available!

Current Issues: Reference Shelf Plus

A Library Journal 2006 Best Reference

Features additional outstanding articles on Reference Shelf titles. Current Issues: Reference Shelf Plus explores more than 90 diverse topics of importance in modern society, chosen by Wilson editors to suit the needs of high school and university researchers. Coverage of every topic stays current, with automatic searches for new and related articles from any of more than 3,600 publications. More than 20 topics are added each year.

Arrange a FREE 30-day trial! www.hwwilson.com/trial

The Reference Shelf 2007

Also of Interest

Representative American Speeches: 1937–1997

This compilation of more than 150 speeches—gleaned from some 1,250 published in the Reference Shelf—addresses a full range of issues confronted by Americans over half a century. Introductions put each speech into context, indexes give access by name and subject, and brief biographies offer insight into the historical significance of each speaker.

Speeches of the American Presidents
Second Edition

Edited by Janet Podell and Steven Anzovin; Introduction by John Little

This volume helps students understand the presidency through the words of the presidents themselves. Coverage includes more than 200 major speeches by the 43 U.S. presidents, from Washington through George W. Bush. In the Second Edition, 25 new speeches have been added, covering the end of Ronald Reagan’s term, the presidencies of George Bush and Bill Clinton, and the inauguration of George W. Bush.