Syedur Rahman is retired director of international programs in the College of Education at The Pennsylvania State University. He was president of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies, 1998-2005.

Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh, now in its fourth edition, is part of the publisher’s Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East series. This edition differs from the previous three in that instead of emphasizing pre- and postcolonial periods, including the Pakistan era, it looks at the events and personalities that make Bangladesh what it is today. Identical to the other editions in its arrangement, the volume begins with a chronology from 1500 BC right up to events in the last quarter of 2009. The 36 page introduction provides an overview of the land and people, early history, Islamic rule, Pakistan period, independence, and the new democratic system. What follows is the major section, an A–Z compilation of subject and name entries important to the development of Bangladesh throughout its history. The entries run from short dictionary-like definitions to much longer ones, such as those that touch on Elections and Militancy. Appendixes list rulers of pre-Muslim dynasties, principal government officers since 1971, and more. One interesting appendix is dedicated to Swadhinata Padak (Independence Day Award) winners, 1977–2008. A large bibliography completes the book. As this country of 130 million is one of the more populous on earth, it is important that the dictionary has been updated. Still a welcome addition to reference collections in academic libraries and large public.