Holidays & Anniversaries qJ" thc Worm is eeally a

book about time, at least, absolute time and the arbi-

trary standards that have been used to measm~e and

mark it. The concentration in the text is upon people

,and events of all periods, ancient and modern, with

the approach and structure provided by the familiar

(to most) and widely utilized Gregorian calendar sys-

tem. All manner of significant and curious people,

events, and dates ace herein recorded in order from

January through December.

For each of the 366 days of the Gregorian year are

listed regional, national, and international holidays

and anniversaries: both ci~41 and religious, fixed and

movable; bb thdales ol l~uowned individuals: political

and religious leaders, artists, ilwentors, entrepre-

neurs, celehrities~ etc., who have influenced histoL-y or

culture; and finally historical events of significance or

interest. In addition, every month is treated individu-

ally, with a brief note on its history, name~ and

associations, as well as a list of special holidays, com-

ulenlorations, and events celebrated, observed, or

sponsored during that ulonth in places around the

world. Whether for serious research or casual brows-

ing, there is quick and convenient re.le.renee to perti

nent information on each and every day and month

of the year. This vast arrav o1" material is also conve-

niently accessible through the detailed index that lol-

lows the text.

To supplement the text and enhance the overall

usefulness of Holidays & Anniversaries, several addi-

tional features have been included in this Introdue-

1. A hislori(:al presentation of the development

of our nloderu cale~ldar, whereiu al~ discussed the

Babylonian, Ek-Vptian, and Hebrew calendars, as well

as the cm ly Roman, Julian, and, finally, Gregorian

systeins.

2. A projection of nlajor movable holidays lor the

years 1985 through 1990.

3. An easy-to-use perpetual calendar covering

the years 1753 through 2100.

4. A glossary of time words, compiled by Ethel

Olicker, including tables that pl~senl and explain

common abbrcx4ations and references to time that

are the subject of frequent questions.