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Encyclopedia of American Folklife
Choice Outstanding Academic Title A revised and updated digital edition of this title is available on Sharpe Online Reference. |
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Comments/Reviews
Description: American folklife is steeped in world cultures, or invented as new culture, always evolving, yet often practiced as it was created many years or even centuries ago. This fascinating encyclopedia explores the rich and varied cultural traditions of folklife in America -- from barn raisings to the Internet, tattoos, and Zydeco -- through expressions that include ritual, custom, crafts, architecture, food, clothing, and art.
Featuring more than 350 A-Z entries,Encyclopedia of American Folklife is wide-ranging and inclusive. Entries cover major cities and urban centers; new and established immigrant groups as well as native Americans; American territories, such as Guam and Samoa; major issues, such as education and intellectual property; and expressions of material culture, such as homes, dress, food, and crafts. The encyclopedia covers notable folklife areas as well as general regional categories. It addresses religious groups (reflecting diversity within groups such as the Amish and the Jews), age groups (both old age and youth gangs), and contemporary folk groups (skateboarders and psychobillies) -- placing all of them in the vivid tapestry of folklife in America. In addition, this resource offers useful insights on folklife concepts through entries such as "community and group" and "tradition and culture." The set also features complete indexes in each volume, as well as a bibliography for further research.
Review(s): Each entry is thorough in coverage and concludes with a list of sources and cross references. ...this reference work is distinct in offering the most comprehensive coverage of these subjects. Suitable for public and academic libraries. Library Journal
Reference collections in academic and large public libraries will benefit from the addition of the Encyclopedia of American Folklife ... Highly recommended. Booklist starred review
With accessible essays, suggestions for further research, and seperate geographical, cultural group and subject indexes this guide will serve students from high school through college. Gale Reference Reviews
The entries are well written and objective... Each article has good cross-referencing and a bibliography... This encyclopedia captures much of what is unique, diverse, and occasionally quirky about American culture. It provides a wealth of information that is not easily found in other sources. School Library Journal
With its impressive and relevant breadth of coverage and its discussion and entries on the study of folklore and folklife, this work would seem to be an important resource for an academic library that supports an American studies curriculum. American Reference Books Annual, Vol.38
This set is the most comprehensive reference source on this topic and its many subfields. No other title compares to its reach. Essential. All levels. Choice
This monumental set of volumes charts a safe path for readers through more than 350 entries that range from Adolescents to Zydeco. ... An invaluable reference work for the many university courses in folklife, folklore and American Studies in the United States, this Encyclopedia has a wider relevance internationally for anyone with a serious interest in cultural studies. Folk Life: Journal of Ethnological Studies
    
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