Entries with identical names, such as popes, are arranged in chronological order. Cross-references are printed in small capitals. One doing research on a topic such as farms should also read the article on agriculture , which will have cross-references to still other topics. Abbreviations at the end of each entry indicate the name of the person who wrote the article. It focuses on history as a chronological record of past events and gives an interpretation of their meaning and significance.
Less attention is given to art, religion, and literature.
In this work, the editors have defined Asia as including Iran and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The authors are listed at the end of each article. Some articles are illustrated. Maps are used as end sheets. Much statistical data is given along with maps of each country.