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RR 2016/271 Berkshire Dictionary of Chinese Biography Editor in chief Kerry Brown Berkshire Publishing Group Great Barrington, MA 2014 4 vols. ISBN 978 1 933782 66 9 $595 Parallel Chinese title Bao ku shan Zhonghua zhuan ji zi dian . Available online through Oxford Reference
Edited by Kerry Brown, a professor who began this work while at the University of Sydney and completed it while at King's College in London, this four-volume encyclopedia collects information about influential Chinese politicians, writers, philosophers, scientists and more and presents it in a clear and readable format, very accessible to novice researchers. To balance his own focus on contemporary Chinese history, Brown brings together the work of contributors with considerable expertise in the rich and lengthy history of China, many hailing from prestigious universities and research institutions across the globe.
The set is arranged chronologically, with sections corresponding to dynastic eras or significant periods. Each section begins with short summary of major events and developments during the period, along with a list of entries and a small map of China during that period. These are quite useful for novice researchers who may need some context as they begin their exploration.
Because Chinese naming schemes can be complicated and subjects may have similar names, different transcriptions...