This new edition of the reference classic is updated and expanded with new entries reflecting the latest developments and discoveries, and newly organized for better access to information. The seventh edition includes more than 8,000 firsts, with more than 1,000 that are new to this edition. Fields updated include science and technology, military history, and politics, describing events that have occurred since the 2006 edition.

Includes indexes.

Preface -- How to Use This Book -- Expanded Contents -- Famous First Facts : (Arts and Entertainment -- Business and Industry -- Daily Life -- Education -- Engineering -- Government and Politics -- Media and Communications -- Medicine and Health -- Military and War -- Nature and Environment -- Population and Settlement -- Religion -- Science and Technology -- Society -- Sports and Recreation -- Transportation) -- Subject index -- Index by Years -- Index to Personal Names -- Geographical Index.