Thursday, May 12, 2005

Book Review: Historical Dictionary of Methodism

Historical Dictionary of Methodism 2nd edition.
Charles Yrigoyen Jr. and Susan E. Warrick, eds.
Scarecrow, 2005. 416 pp.

The Historical Dictionary of Methodism is a fine reference work appropriate for large academic libraries, seminaries with Methodist students, and large Methodist church libraries. It is a thoughtfully assembled ready reference tool for the broad sweep of Methodist history. In addition to its alphabetized topical, biographical, geographical, and theological entries, the book features a timeline, a brief history of the movement, and a comprehensive and well-organized bibliography. The dictionary’s listings are well-chosen, written, and researched.

Its only failing is an over-emphasis on the United Methodist Church on some topical entries, such as those on homosexuality and war, to the neglect of other Methodist bodies.

Grade: A-

1 comment:

Jonathon said...

that sounds pretty cool. i may have to pick that one up in the near future.