Reference Book of the Week: Whitaker's Almanack
This week we are featuring a reference source that may be useful for readers interested in the United Kingdom and all things British. This week we are highlighting Whitaker's Almanac. This publication has been published annually in the United Kingdom since 1868. Like any almanac, it features a calendar, some astronomical information, anniversaries, and lists of events. However, Whitaker's Almanack also provides articles, lists, and tables. In addition to the focus on the United Kingdom, there are also sections on world information. The 2010 edition starts with a 2010 calendar, and it includes things like religious dates, UK civil holidays such as the Queen's Birthday and Commonwealth Day, and a small list of centenaries. Next we have the core of the almanack: the United Kingdom. Most of the figures and tables are drawn from the UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS) and two of its publications-- the Annual Abstract of Statistics and Social Trends. For our American readers, the ONS does a lot of the work that the U.S. Census Bureau does in the United States. We must note, however, that the U.S. does not have a centralized national statistical service per se since in addition to the Census Bureau, other agencies do collect data and provide statistical services such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the Energy Information Administration (EIA). So, what are some of the information items about the United Kingdom you will find in Whitaker's Almanack?
- Information on the Royal Family including a list of family members, the order of succession list (including a note on family members who lost the right to succession due to their conversions to Roman Catholicism given that you have to be in good standing with the Church of England to ascend to the throne), and list of members of the royal household with description of their duties (for instance, there is a difference between the queen's private secretary and her communications and press secretary).
- Listing and descriptions of government departments for the United Kingdom. When available, websites are included.
- Defence information. For example, you can see a listing of military salaries.
- Information on the educational systems.
- Information on religion in the UK as well as churches.