check if variable is between 2 values

Eep__

How can I check if a variable is between 2 values? I have a pull-down listbox filled with dates from 1995-2002 and I have it come up so the correct entry is selected when the page is loaded but I also have a text-entry field for other dates not in the list that I want to display the variable $circa when it doesn't match between 1995 and 2002. <takes breath>

So, I need some kind of if statement like:

<?if($circa<'1995' or >'2002'){echo $circa;}?>

...but that doesn't work and gives the error:

Parse error: parse error, unexpected '>'

Eep__

After looking at another script, I've discovered I have to put the variable TWICE in the command for it to work (which seems a bit unnecessary but whatever):

<?if($circa<'1995' or $circa>'2002'){echo $circa;}?>

Coranthil

It makes sense if you think about syntax.. and therefore "grammer" of a programming language...

If you read it outloud, it makes more semse to say "if x is less than 250 or x is greater than 350, do {algorithm}

Another way you could have written it is:

if (250 < x < 350)
{
algorithm
}

Eep__

I get an error if I try it like that:

Parse error: parse error, unexpected '>'

if('1995' > $circa > '2002'){echo "$circa";}