This is a shortened version of the three volume Walford's Guide to Reference Material, 5th edition: Volume 1, Science and Technology (1989), Volume 2, Social and historical sciences, philosophy and religion (1990), and Volume 3, Generalia, language and literature, the arts (1991). There are more than 3,000 entries, forming an updated compilation of what are considered to be the basic items in the main volumes, plus some more recent material up to April 1992.

This new edition of Volume II (last published in 1994) has been extensively expanded and revised in all areas. Fully updated, the new edition includes major changes and covers a span of topics from archaeology through medieval history to statistics. It includes philosophy, psychology, religion, social sciences, geography, biology and history. All areas have been completely updated with additional material in economics, business and management.