Encyclopedia of Blacks in European History and Culture: [2 volumes]

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Blacks have played a significant part in European civilization since ancient times. This encyclopedia illuminates blacks in European history, literature, and popular culture. It emphasizes the considerable scope of black influence in, and contributions to, European culture. The first blacks arrived in Europe as slaves and later as laborers and soldiers, and black immigrants today along with others are transforming Europe into multicultural states. This indispensable set expands our knowledge of blacks in Western civilization. More than 350 essay entries introduce students and other readers to the white European response to blacks in their countries, the black experiences and impact there, and the major interactions between Europe and Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States that resulted in the settling of blacks in Europe. The range of information presented is impressive, with entries on noted European political, literary, and cultural figures of black descent from ancient times to the present, major literary works that had a substantial impact on European perceptions of blacks, black holidays and festivals, the struggle for civil equality for blacks, the role and influence of blacks in contemporary European popular culture, black immigration to Europe, black European identity, and much more. Offered as well are entries on organizations that contributed to the development of black political and social rights in Europe, representations of blacks in European art and cultural symbols, and European intellectual and scientific theories on blacks. Individual entries on Britain, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Central Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe include historical overviews of the presence and contributions of blacks and discussion of country's role in the African slave trade and abolition and its colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. Suggestions for further reading accompany each entry. A chronology, resource guide, and photos complement the text.

Reviews

a thoroughly interesting and worthwhile work, written in an even and readable style, and will be found extremely useful for source material and a variety of subjects affecting Black people in European history and culture. Each of the entries is packed with facts which are covered succinctly and yet makes for a good read. The work is highly recommended for public libraries, and schools, colleges, and universities, for courses dealing with history and sociology. Additionally, the set will be appreciated by Black British people who will find contemporary role models as well as appreciating a virtually hidden history of their own peoples in Europe. And, of course, teachers everywhere will find it a useful aid when preparing material for Black History Month! * Reference Reviews *
The two volumes offer 360 entries that provide readers with a concise, clear account of topics and individuals. Some are accompanied by images and illustrations. 'Further reading' recommendations appear at the end of each entry. Both volumes have a chronology, along with alphabetical and topical lists of entries. Readers also will find a useful resource guide listing suggested readings, Web sites, and more. This set is an important reference resource for ethnic and multicultural studies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. * Choice *
Intended to be accessible to high school and general audiences, this two-volume encyclopedia documents depictions and contributions of black people in European history, literature, and popular culture. * Reference & Research Book News *
Although there are many reference resources focused on African American culture (for example, Macmillan's Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History, 2006), this new encyclopedia provides a unique European perspective. Editor Martone (doctoral candidate, history, University of New York at Stony Brook) compiled 362 entries from 84 international, scholarly contributors. Along with an alphabetical list of entries, the 'Topical List of Entries' organizes information under 24 categories including 'Art,' 'Events,' 'Groups,' 'Religion,' and 'Women.' There are also categories for individual countries and regions. Common themes such as Abolition of slavery, British; Abolition of slavery, French; Germany, blacks in; and Scandinavia, blacks in contribute to ease of use. Martone devotes strong coverage to France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, with additional coverage of Belgium, central and Eastern Europe, Ireland, Russia, and Scandinavia. Additional features include black-and-white illustrations, a chronology dating from 500 BCE to 2008, and a 'Resource Guide' that includes a list of suggested English-language books, articles, Web sites, and films. An index and list of contributors end the set. One of a kind, this resource is highly recommended for its unique subject coverage. Suitable for academic and public libraries. * Booklist *

Author Bio

Eric Martone is a doctoral candidate in Modern European History at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has published in the field of of European History and Teaching Methods.