World of a Slave: Encyclopedia of the Material Life of Slaves in the United States [2 volumes]

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Description

This two-volume encyclopedia is the first to focus on the material life of slaves.

Although many encyclopedias discuss slavery, enslaved blacks, and African American life and culture, none focus on the material world of slaves, such as what they saw; touched; heard; ate, drank, and smoked; wore; worked with and in; used, cultivated, crafted, played, and played with; and slept on. The two-volume World of a Slave: Encyclopedia of the Material Life of Slaves in the United States is a landmark work in this important new field of study.

Recognizing that a full understanding of the complexity of American slavery and its legacy requires an understanding of the material culture of slavery, the encyclopedia includes entries on almost every aspect of that material culture, beginning in the 17th century and extending through the Civil War. Readers will find information on animals, documents, economy, education and literacy, food and drink, home, music, personal items, places, religion, rites of passage, slavery, structures, and work. There are also introductory essays on literacy and oral culture and on music and dance.

Reviews

Highly recommended as a specialized reference title. * Library Journal *
This outstanding, objectively written resource is highly recommended for academic and large libraries. * Booklist *

. . . this two-volume set presents a fresh, powerful picture of the ignoble institution of slavery in the US. . . . this
important encyclopedia will be a useful addition for all academic libraries. . . . Recommended.

Author Bio

Martha B. Katz-Hyman is an independent curator specializing in historic house furnishing and African American material culture of 18th-century Tidewater Virginia and Maryland.

Kym S. Rice s director of the Museum Studies Program at The George Washington University.