Ethnic Groups of the Americas: An Encyclopedia

(Hardback)

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Description

Intended to help students explore ethnic identityone of the most important issues of the 21st centurythis concise, one-stop reference presents rigorously researched content on the national groups and ethnicities of North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Combining up-to-date information with extensive historical and cultural background, the encyclopedia covers approximately 150 groups arranged alphabetically. Each engaging entry offers a short introduction detailing names, population estimates, language, and religion. This is followed by a history of the group through the turn of the 19th century, with background on societal organization and culture and expanded information on language and religious beliefs. The last section of each entry discusses the group in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including information on its present situation. Readers will also learn about demographic trends and major population centers, parallels with other groups, typical ways of life, and relations with neighbors. Major events and notable challenges are documented, as are key figures who played a significant political or cultural role in the group's history. Each entry also provides a list for further reading and research.

Reviews

Ethnic Groups of the Americas: An Encyclopedia is unique as a reference source in its focus on the people groups of the entire Western hemisphere. . . . [A] useful resource for students exploring ethnic identities, contemporary or historical ethnic conflicts, or the ethnic history of a specific country or territory in the Americas. . . . Recommended for public, high school, and academic library reference collections. * Reference Reviews *
The usefulness of this work lies in its currency and its objective look at many unfamiliar groups. This volume is suitable for public, secondary, and college collections. * Booklist *
This reference demonstrates what an interesting and diverse world we live in and will be useful in high school and public libraries. * ARBA *

Author Bio

James B. Minahan is a freelance writer and researcher. His many ABC-CLIO titles include Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations: Ethnic and National Groups around the World; Miniature Empires: A Historical Dictionary of the Newly Independent States; Nations without States: A Historical Dictionary of Contemporary National Movements; One Europe, Many Nations: A Historical Dictionary of European National Groups; and The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems.