Historical Dictionary of the Holiness Movement (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series)
The many, ever-useful Historical Dictionary series continue to produce reference volumes of consistent quality and interest. This second edition is number 98 in the Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements series. The editor is an academic with an appropriate subject and publishing background to understand and present the subject in a clear and concise manner.   In the style of previous volumes in the series, a list of acronyms and a chronology of important events precede the entries. The entries are short, signed with initials, and have no bibliographies. There is, however, a bibliography at the end of the volume, arranged by subject. The majority of the entries are biographical, covering people such as Charles Milton Damon, Merle Elmer Gaddis, and Phoebe Worrall Palmer. Other entries cover important congregations, ministries, and concepts; examples include Church of God, Holiness Methodist Church, and Women in the Holiness Movement. According to the explanatory material, the second edition has improved coverage of individuals from Asia and Africa.  The Historical Dictionaries are best known for providing background material for researchers new to a topic. This volume stands out somewhat in that the topic is very narrow and not likely to be the subject of an average undergraduate’s research. It does provide excellent information for those doing research in this aspect of Protestantism and is appropriate for academic and large public libraries with an interest in the subject. --Danise Hoover