Encyclopedia of National Anthems

Second Edition

Xing Hang

Since the appearance of the first edition of the Encyclopedia of National Anthems in 2003, many new events and situations have radically redrawn the political boundaries of the world map and redefined the policies and goals of individual nation-states from Nepal to Afghanistan, Mozambique to Montenegro. All of these shifts have entailed the creation or adoption of new anthems or the modification of existing ones. This revised and expanded edition of the Encyclopedia of National Anthems not only makes the long-overdue updates to the national anthems of the world but also improves upon the quality and accuracy of the music sheets and historical backgrounds through consultation with a greater number and wider variety of source materials.

Every political entity with non-Latin script now has its original lyrics documented in the book, while English translations have been modified to better express meaning and intent. Flags and maps have been added to the country fact sheets to provide a visual complement to the text. In addition to current sovereign countries, this edition includes in separate sections the anthems of international organizations; of Kosovo, South Ossetia, and other non-UN states; and of extinct countries, such as the former Soviet Union and East Germany. This collection does not adhere to any political stance but instead reflects the contested and complicated nature of the modern nation-state, whose boundaries remain fluid and ever subject to change.

This new edition of the Encyclopedia of National Anthems is an indispensable reference source for students and academic scholars for school projects and academic research initiatives. Libraries will find the new edition a valuable addition to their collections, as will government and diplomatic missions requiring a handy reference for international exchange. For the casual reader, this compilation also provides a wealth of resources that both inform and entertain.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 1080 • Trim: 9 x 11⅜

978-0-8108-7662-0 • Hardback • 2 vol set • August 2011 • $246.00 • (£192.00)

978-1-4422-5038-3 • Paperback • 2 vol set • March 2015 • $143.00 • (£110.00) - Currently out of stock. Copies will arrive soon.

Subjects: Music / Genres & Styles / International, Music / Reference

Encyclopedia of National Anthems

Second Edition

Hardback

Paperback

Summary

Since the appearance of the first edition of the Encyclopedia of National Anthems in 2003, many new events and situations have radically redrawn the political boundaries of the world map and redefined the policies and goals of individual nation-states from Nepal to Afghanistan, Mozambique to Montenegro. All of these shifts have entailed the creation or adoption of new anthems or the modification of existing ones. This revised and expanded edition of the Encyclopedia of National Anthems not only makes the long-overdue updates to the national anthems of the world but also improves upon the quality and accuracy of the music sheets and historical backgrounds through consultation with a greater number and wider variety of source materials.

Every political entity with non-Latin script now has its original lyrics documented in the book, while English translations have been modified to better express meaning and intent. Flags and maps have been added to the country fact sheets to provide a visual complement to the text. In addition to current sovereign countries, this edition includes in separate sections the anthems of international organizations; of Kosovo, South Ossetia, and other non-UN states; and of extinct countries, such as the former Soviet Union and East Germany. This collection does not adhere to any political stance but instead reflects the contested and complicated nature of the modern nation-state, whose boundaries remain fluid and ever subject to change.

This new edition of the Encyclopedia of National Anthems is an indispensable reference source for students and academic scholars for school projects and academic research initiatives. Libraries will find the new edition a valuable addition to their collections, as will government and diplomatic missions requiring a handy reference for international exchange. For the casual reader, this compilation also provides a wealth of resources that both inform and entertain.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 1080 • Trim: 9 x 11⅜

978-0-8108-7662-0 • Hardback • 2 vol set • August 2011 • $246.00 • (£192.00)

978-1-4422-5038-3 • Paperback • 2 vol set • March 2015 • $143.00 • (£110.00) - Currently out of stock. Copies will arrive soon.

Subjects: Music / Genres & Styles / International, Music / Reference

Author

Xing Hang is assistant professor of history at Brandeis University. He is the coauthor of In North Korea: An American Travels Through an Imprisoned Nation (2003).

Reviews

This revision to the 2003 edition is based upon a greater number and variety of sources than the earlier work, with the aim of providing more accurate content. It incorporates information on alterations to political regimes occurring over the last decade, as such changes have transformed national identities and, in turn, national anthems. Anthems of international organizations and countries of, for example, the former Soviet Union, are also included. Each entry, under five pages, now includes maps, flags, national demographics, and brief anthem histories. As before, lyrics appear in the nation’s dominant language, Latinized; then in the native alphabet; and, finally, in English translation. Sheet music, uniting melody and lyrics, closes each entry. The written material offers enlightening national sketches.
— Library Journal

Xing Hang (history, Brandeis Univ.) has expanded the second edition (1st ed., CH, May'04, 41-5040) of this encyclopedia considerably. Several large categories of anthems are represented: international organizations and movements; members and observers of the United Nations; non-UN entities; and extinct states....The volume is arranged by country, and the newly added works in non-Latin script make available even more music. A fact box displays information about a specific country, along with a map and flag. The text section provides information about the composers and lyricists, and discusses the adoption of the anthem. Translations of foreign lyrics are included....Detailed endnotes are included. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers.
— Choice Reviews

Gr 9 Up–Updating the 2003 edition, this work reflects intervening changes in nations and anthems and provides improved sheet music and historical coverage. Entries include information on most of the sovereign countries of the world and feature a black-and-white or color map of the nation and its flag; a box detailing basic data such as the official languages, GDP, and holidays; at least a paragraph of background; the lyrics of the anthem in the native language and in English; and sheet music. Entries are arranged in sections covering “International Organizations and Movements,” “United National Members and Observers,” “Non-United Nation Entities,” and “Extinct States”; and within those, alphabetically by country. This set will help students researching countries and cultures.
— School Library Journal

Previous Edition Praise: A book that reference librarians have been wanting for years....This anthology is strongly recommended for reference collections. (Previous Edition Praise)
— Reference Reviews

Previous Edition Praise: This handy reference work is a social studies or world geography teacher's dream....The Encyclopedia of National Anthems is an invaluable reference work for teachers and students and should be included in every library collection. (Previous Edition Praise)
— American Reference Books Annual

Previous Edition Praise: Straightforward. ... A superbly researched and solid reference, the Encyclopedia of National Anthems is a unique and very welcome contribution to academic and community library World Music reference collections. (Previous Edition Praise)
— The Bookwatch

This encyclopedia serves as a quick and useful source for nearly 200 national songs.
— American Reference Books Annual

Encyclopedia of National Anthems

Second Edition

Xing Hang

Encyclopedia of National Anthems

Second Edition

ALSO AVAILABLE