Encyclopedia of African American Society - Hardcover

"The two-volume set touches on virtually every aspect of African American life and history, including entertainment, literature, politics, religion, sports, and law. In more than 700 signed essays, it recounts the intellectual underpinnings that defined a people and their movements, explains actions that transformed a nation, and describes the personalities and realities that shaped and continue to shape the black experience in America." (LIBRARY JOURNAL LIBRARY JOURNAL)

"In nearly 700 A-Z articles ranging from a paragraph to a few pages, this reference work presents African Americans in historical, cultural, and social context. And, it is this context that sets it apart... This work gains immediacy through well-chosen b&w photographs and through occassional and appropriate sidebars... Even schools with African American history and culture well represented in their reference sections should consider adding this work. Highly Recommended." (Library Media Connection (starred review) Library Media Connection (starred review))

"Jaynes's work attempts to focus on social events, ideas, and issues of consequence that provide 'the source of continuing cohesiveness' allowing the world to think in terms of an 'African American society'. . . . Jaynes's volumes should find a place in all secondary school and undergraduate libraries." (Anthony J. Adam Multicultural Review 2005-09-01)

"In his introduction, Jaynes states that the objective of this two-volume set is ‘tp provide a reference base for those interested in obtaining information about the significant events, institutions, and activities that have taken African Americans along the path leading to their present positions and that have provided the source of continuing cohesiveness that allows both African Americans and the rest of the world to think of Americans of African decent in the terms that justify the nomenclature ‘African American society.’. . . . This reference source will prove useful to any African American studies collection, especially those serving high school students and undergraduates; for serious researchers it will be valuable as a starting point." (N.M. Allen CHOICE 2005-12-01)

The Encyclopedia of African American Society is the first comprehensive and accessible reference set in this field to give voice to the turbulent trends, past and present, that are often ignored in favor of mere facts. Although numerous biographical, chronological and bibliographical reference works exist, none seeks to capture, in a single set, the ways in which the tenets and foundations of African American culture have given rise to today's society. This two-volume encyclopedia fills the gap and has become a staple in collections in school, public and academic libraries.

The encyclopedia is anchored by alphabetically arranged essays on such topics as abolitionism, affirmative action, and the civil rights movement, and contains hundreds of shorter articles on notable African Americans, groundbreaking events, sports and culture, labor and significant heritage sites.

Key Features

Over 700 signed articles, organized A-Z

More than 50 photographs

Reader's guide facilitates easy browsing for relevant articles

Comprehensive index and bibliography

Topics Covered

Concepts and Theories

Fine Arts, Theater, and Entertainment

Health and Education

History and Heritage

Literature

Media

Movements and Events

Music and Dance

Organizations and Institutions

Places

Politics and Policy

Popular Culture

Religion and Beliefs

The Road to Freedom

Science, Technology, and Business

Social Issues

Special Populations

Sports

Advisory Board