Part of the ‘Historical Dictionaries of Europe’ series, the second edition of this work updates an excellent 2007 first edition. To cover Switzerland's complex and interesting history, Schelbert created or edited more than 500 entries.  In addition to history, the dictionary addresses the country's culture, economy, and complex government.  Readers will appreciate the chronology, which gives an overview of Swiss history from the first traces of human presence through the early 21st century, with final entries covering topics such as national voter initiatives in late 2003 and civil marriage rights in 2005. Overall, Schelbert offers a very strong overview of Swiss history, culture, and society, accompanied by a fine bibliography of sources useful for further study. . . [T]his is an excellent work for anyone interested in Switzerland. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers.
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This publication updates the first edition of the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland. . . .Entries have been revised to include current information, from as late as September 2013, and more than 40 new entries have been added. . . .Examples of new content include controversies about women’s headscarves and the construction of minarets as indicators of domestic discomfort with Muslim immigrants; unresolved disputes with the United States and OECD about the possibility of tax evasion under the tradition of secrecy in banking; and changes in the status of women in law, politics, and the economy.
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