Articles longer than a page or two include boldface subheadings that make it easy to pick out items of interest. For example, Plague includes headings enabling readers to pinpoint discussions of recurrent plague and the history of disease, demographic studies of recurrent plague, and plague and public health. A number of articles include a final section placing the topic in the context of the Renaissance, especially if the connection is not obvious. With a few dry exceptions, writing strikes a careful balance between scholarly and breezy style. Cross-references direct readers to related entries.
Selective bibliographies complete each article.
When appropriate, bibliographies are divided according to primary sources, secondary sources, and topics. Primary sources are usually modern editions in original languages or English translation. Most sources are in English or western European languages and published in the 1970s through the late 1990s. There are also older classics and a relatively small number of periodical articles. Some articles include references within the text.