For those uninitiated but interested in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, this book is a necessary starting point. It provides the basic background to begin gathering information that is needed to better understand this complex country and region. This reference by Hanks is the latest among a significant number of country-area tomes listing an extensive array of subjects in the form of a dictionary. A chronological geographic section lists events and is followed by an informative introduction to Uzbekistan's geographic and historical background. Following this, the dictionary entries detail the most substantial information to enable readers to grasp the people, events, and main issues as they relate to the country. Cross-referencing also encourages a greater and more holistic understanding of issues of larger importance. Novices will gain much from the book, as will the cognoscenti who may readily browse and add to potential topics of concern. The volume goes a long way to fill the lacunae related to Uzbekistan while speedily providing information that may otherwise be tedious to unearth.

Complemented by a selective, though rich, bibliography, this publication enables several possible matters to be expanded into larger research questions. Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals.