It is impossible to understand America without understanding the history of African Americans. In nearly seven hundred entries; the Encyclopedia of African American History; 1619-1895 documents the full range of the African American experience during that period - from the arrival of the first slave ship to the death of Frederick Douglass - and shows how all aspects of American culture; history; and national identity have been profoundly influenced by the experience of African Americans.The Encyclopedia covers an extraordinary range of subjects. Major topics such as "Abolitionism;" "Black Nationalism;" the "Civil War;" the "Dred Scott case;" "Reconstruction;" "Slave Rebellions and Insurrections;" the "Underground Railroad;" and "Voting Rights" are given the in-depth treatment one would expect. But the encyclopedia also contains hundreds of fascinating entries on less obvious subjects; such as the "African Grove Theatre;" "Black Seafarers;" "Buffalo Soldiers;" the "Catholic Church and African Americans;" "Cemeteries and Burials;" "Gender;" "Midwifery;" "New York African Free Schools;" "Oratory and Verbal Arts;" "Religion and Slavery;" the "Secret Six;" and much more. In addition; the Encyclopedia offers brief biographies of important African Americans - as well as white Americans who have played a significant role in African American history - from Crispus Attucks; John Brown; and Henry Ward Beecher to Olaudah Equiano; Frederick Douglass; Sarah Grimké; Sojourner Truth; Nat Turner; Phillis Wheatley; and many others.All of the Encyclopedia's alphabetically arranged entries are accessibly written and free of jargon and technical terms. To facilitate ease of use; many composite entries gather similar topics under one headword. The entry for Slave Narratives; for example; includes three subentries: The Slave Narrative in America from the Colonial Period to the Civil War; Interpreting Slave Narratives; and African and British Slave Narratives. A headnote detailing the various subentries introduces each composite entry. Selective bibliographies and cross-references appear at the end of each article to direct readers to related articles within the Encyclopedia and to primary sources and scholarly works beyond it. A topical outline; chronology of major events; nearly 300 black and white illustrations; and comprehensive index further enhance the work's usefulness.
#359018 in Books 2005-04-07 2005-04-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x .80 x 9.10l; 1.29 #File Name: 0195156226416 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Reading for Readings in Nineteenth Century EuropeBy Melissa McHughMy professor assigned this book as a background material for our course in 19th century Europe. This is not a basic history book -- you can find those else where. This is a serious study of intellectual; political and social developments in a pivotal period of modern history. Well-written and organized; I couldn't have done as well in the class without it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A good textbookBy jamesThis book would serve as an excellent book for a modern European history class or for a person with an interest in such subject matter. I really commend the author for being able to produce such an informative book in a size and style that would be appropriate for a college undergrad or anyone with an interest in history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Can't recommend for casual readingBy C. DavisFar from the driest history book. Can't recommend for casual reading; but I got it for a class and read more often then not.
