BOOKS

Reference is a relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object. The first object in this relation is said to refer to the second object. The second object—the one to which the first object refers—is called the referent of the first object.

 

References can take on many forms, including: a thought, a sensory perception that is audible (onomatopoeia), visual (text), olfactory, or tactile, emotional state, relationship with other, spacetime coordinate, symbolic or alpha-numeric, a physical object or an energy projection. In some cases methods are used that intentionally hide the reference from some observers, as in cryptography.

 

References feature in many spheres of human activity and knowledge, and the term adopts shades of meaning particular to the contexts in which it is used. Some of these are described in the sections below.

 

A reference work is a book or periodical (or its electronic equivalent) to which one can refer for confirmed facts. The information is intended to be found quickly when needed. Reference works are usually referred to for particular pieces of information, rather than read beginning to end. The writing style used in these works is informative; the authors avoid use of the first person, and emphasize facts. Many reference works are compiled by a team of contributors whose work is coordinated by one or more editors rather than by an individual author. Indices are commonly provided in many types of reference work. Updated editions are usually published as needed, in some cases annually (e.g. Whitaker's Almanack, Who's Who). Reference works include dictionaries, thesauruses, encyclopedias, almanacs, bibliographies, and catalogs (e.g. catalogs of libraries, museums or the works of individual artists) Many reference works are available in electronic form and can be obtained as application software, CD-ROMs, DVDs, or online through the Internet.

 

THE CREATIVE REALM'S RECOMMENDED REFERENCE BOOKS 

 

1. Merriam-Webster - Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
2. DK Publishing - Ultimate Visual Dictionary 
3. Various - Art: A World History 
4. John Matthews - The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic (Element Encyclopedia)
5. Mary Roach - Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers