Includes bibliographical references and index.

Vol. 1 -- Alphabetical table of contents -- List of maps -- Introduction -- Chronology -- List of abbreviations -- Section 1: Methods and theoretical approaches -- Section 2: The periods of social history -- Section 3: Regions, nations, and peoples -- Section 4: Europe and the world -- Vol. 2 -- Section 5: Processes of social change -- Section 6: Population and geography -- Section 7: Cities and urbanization -- Section 8: Rural life -- Section 9: State and society -- Vol. 3. Section 10: Social structure -- Section 11: Social protest -- Section 12: Deviance, crime, and social control -- Section 13: Social problems and social reform.

Vol. 4 -- Section 14: Gender -- Section 15: The family and age groups -- Section 16: Sexuality -- Section 17: Body and mind -- Section 18: Work -- Vol. 5. Section 19: Culture and popular culture -- Section 20: Modern recreation and leisure -- Section 21: Religion -- Section 22: Education and literacy -- Section 23: Everyday life -- Vol. 6. Biographies -- Directory of contributors -- Index.

"Covering the period from the beginning of the Renaissance to the present, this encyclopedia consists of 209 signed articles and nearly 300 biographical entries. The set is thoroughly indexed, amply illustrated, and a joy to read. Graduate students will find it useful as an introduction to historiography while advanced high school students will enjoy the articles on historical topics."--"Outstanding Reference Sources," American Libraries, May 2001.

Description based on print version record.