Martial Arts of the World [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation
Containing more than 120 entries, Martial Arts of the World aims to be the most comprehensive work on the subject of martial arts. Editors Green, a professor of anthropology, and Svinth, editor of several martial arts and sciences journals, have done a noteworthy job in reaching that goal. Volume 1 is arranged by geographic region and each section has entries for the individual arts of the region in question. Volume 2 has entries for themes, arranged under categories such as “Belief Systems,” “Globalization of Martial Arts,” and “Martial Media.” In both volumes are found articles covering combat disciplines from all over time and the world.   Topics are as varied as Zulu stick fighting, Ottoman oiled wrestling, Fighting arts of the Renaissance, Television and the martial arts, and Police defensive tactics training in the United States. Articles range from two to several pages and are followed by often lengthy references. With the growing popularity of mixed martial arts fighting and the continuing presence of martial arts in Hollywood, this title could fill a gap in many library collections. Many lay readers will be put off by the dense academic tone of the articles. Scholars, on the other hand, will find plenty here to fit their needs and spur further research. --Asia Gross