The Facts On File Dictionary Of Numerical Allusions

Lists the associations in history, crime, popular culture, music, religion, geography, technology, folk tales, mythology, and magic for numbers from absolute zero to infinity

Publisher Description

This indispensable work is a comprehensive resource offering abundant information that students and general readers of all ages will find clear and to the point. A useful companion to The Facts On File Dictionary of Cultural and Historical Allusions explains the meanings and origins of allusions from the Bible and classical mythology, including Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, and Egyptian. It features approximately 2,000 entries, from Abelard and Heloise to Zeus. It covers biblical and mythological figures (Narcissus, Athena, Daniel), places (Mount Olympus, Gesthemane, Elysian Fields), key concepts (doomsday, utopia), and other references with biblical and mythological origins (judgment of Solomon, salt of the earth, patience of Job, labors of Hercules). It also includes a pronunciation key for difficult words or terms; examples of usage; and extensive cross-references.

Numerology is the belief that numbers have power over events. It is a descendent of number mysticism, the belief the contemplation of numbers can give mystical and non-rational insights into life, the universe, and everything. Twenty-five hundred years ago, Pythagoras originated number mysticism, crediting certain numbers with characteristics, though numerology is a more recent invention that allots numbers, hence, characteristics to individuals. Underwood Dudley outlines here the history of number mysticism and numerology and gives many examples, including biorhythyms, Bible-numberists, pyram.

Active learning benefits everyone in all levels and types of libraries. Students, the general public, interns, and new reference staff need to find information and conduct research. One way to help them understand research strategies is to provide a structured opportunity to 'experience' information seeking. Llibrarians want learners to retain and apply what is taught. Finding material and writing research papers is a way of life in the schools, colleges and universities which most students attend. Students will continue to use the skills and techniques learned from library instruction throughout their lifetimes. This book includes seven lesson plans covering various topics in "The Arts," seven lesson plans in literature and communications, and six lesson plans in music. Each of the contributing authors is a specialist in his area of expertise and is sharing that knowledge with colleagues. It is an excellent resource for librarians planning sessions to undergraduate students in those disciplines. The format used is one in which each chapter is a lesson plan that includes active learning exercises. Library instruction librarians are able to save a great deal of time with the design of this unique book because the exercises can be easily customized to fit the needs of individual libraries.