Brown, E. K. (2002). Generative grammar. In K. Malmkjaer (Ed.), The linguistics encyclopedia (pp. 171-92). New York: Routledge.
Davis Reference P29 .L52 2002
This one-volume encyclopedia will provide students of linguistics with some basic insight into the breadth and depth of Chomsky's contributions to the field, in particular the topic of generative grammar. Chomsky is cited a number of times throughout the encyclopedia, but the "Generative Grammar" entry discusses his work at length and in depth. Some linguistic terms are glossed; instead of cross-referencing, terms listed in the index appear in bold type. Those unfamiliar with the jargon of the field of linguistics will find some of the text difficult but may still benefit from an examination of Chomsky's role in the evolution of syntactic theory.
D'Agostino, F. (1996). Chomsky, Noam. In P. Edwards (Ed.), The encyclopedia of philosophy (pp. 77-8). New York: Macmillan.
Davis Reference B51 .E52 v.9
A brief entry for Chomsky appears in the 1996 supplement to this eight-volume encyclopedia. It focuses on his theories of language and mind, providing a concise introduction to the important philosophical themes of his work in linguistics. A few relevant cross-references are provided as well as a brief bibliography. Chomsky's contributions to political science are not mentioned, but this entry nonetheless provides some insight into the link between Chomsky's politics and his linguistic theories.
Gay, K., & Gay, M. K. (1999). Chomsky, Avram Noam (1928- ). In K. Gay (Ed.), The encyclopedia of political anarchy (pp. 38-40). Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO.
Davis Reference HX830 .G39 1999
Chomsky's entry in this one-volume encyclopedia runs to roughly two pages, providing a good concise introduction to his work with a predictable slant in coverage toward political philosophy. Chomsky's education and the development of his career are discussed, and his political views outlined briefly, although perhaps more clearly and directly than in other encyclopedias and biographical sources. Cross-references are included to clarify Chomsky's relationship to anarchism.
Kasher, A. (1994). Chomsky and pragmatics. In R. Asher, & J. Simpson (Eds.), The encyclopedia of language and linguistics (pp. 535-6). Oxford: Pergamon Press.
Davis Reference P29 .E48 1994 v.2
This brief entry, which explains Chomsky's views on pragmatics, or speakers' knowledge of language, is copiously cross-referenced such that even readers unfamiliar with linguistic terminology may find it useful for familiarizing themselves with this particular aspect of Chomsky's work in linguistics.
Lunsford, R. (1998). Chomsky, Noam. In R. Benewick, & P. Green (Eds.), The Routledge dictionary of twentieth-century political thinkers (pp. 41-4). London, New York: Routledge.
Davis Reference JA83 .R725 1998
Chomsky's entry in this volume begins with a brief biography that links his interest in linguistics to his political science work, after which his political views are outlined in a concise and compelling way, tracing their development through several of the most important publications of his career.
Newmeyer, F. (1994). Chomsky's philosophy of language. In R. Asher, & J. Simpson (Eds.), The encyclopedia of language and linguistics (pp. 536-541). Oxford: Pergamon Press.
Davis Reference P29 .E48 1994 v.2
Another entry in the Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics is devoted to an in-depth explanation of the philosophy that informs Chomsky's linguistic theories. Again, those unfamiliar with the field of linguistics will find the included cross-references helpful for glossing.