Terrorism Reference - About | Reader's Guide

On September 11, 2001, the United States of America suffered one of the most brutal acts of terrorism in history. Americans watched in horror as one of its main financial centers and its central defense building were rammed by hijacked commercial jets. Thousands were killed and the terrorist threat, which at times might have seemed foreign and remote, was now on American soil. Questions arose about how it could have happened and why it happened. Americans were seeking answers. Terrorism: Almanac in nine chapters, provides a detailed description of the meaning of terrorism, what tactics terrorists use, and the efforts made in combating terrorism of all kinds around the world. The Almanac also examines different kinds of terrorism, such as religious terrorism and state-sponsored terrorism. Each chapter includes a "Words to Know" section, informative sidebar boxes highlighting the issues and events discussed in the text, and a list of further readings. Also included are more than fifty illustrations and maps, a timeline, an appendix of terrorist organizations, and an index providing easy access to subjects discussed throughout Terrorism: Almanac.

Related Reference Sources

• Terrorism: Biographies profiles twenty-six individuals who figure prominently in the story and history of terrorism. The essays cover such notorious killers as Osama bin Laden, Timothy McVeigh, Abu Nidal, and Ramzi Yousef; political figures like Menachem Begin and George J. Mitchell; and those whom some see as freedom fighters, such as John Brown and Michael Collins.
• Terrorism: Primary Sources presents fifteen full or excerpted speeches and written works that illuminate the philosophy behind individuals and groups that practice terrorism, those who have been victims of terrorist acts, and those who fight it.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their thanks to U•X•L senior editor Diane Sawinski and U•X•L publisher Tom Romig at the Gale Group for their assistance throughout the production of this series.

Comments and Suggestions

We welcome your comments on Terrorism: Almanac and suggestions for other topics in history to consider. Please write: Editors, Terrorism: Almanac, U•X•L, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331-3535; call toll free 800-877-4253; fax to 248-414-5043; or send e-mail via http://www.gale.com.