It is a primary source text for historical research and (for the recent and current annuals) a current affairs reference work. From world politics to society weddings, from the latest scientific discoveries to the weather, from the year's best-selling novels to obituaries of authors and other public figures -- The Annual Register provides detailed historical background and a wealth of new information for research. As a bonus, the first publishers intended The Annual Register to be entertaining as well as enlightening, and it is a good read for undergraduates and academics alike, with plenty of human-interest stories and lively text.