Encyclopedia of American Regional Studies

MBR Bookwatch, April, 2005

Encyclopedia of American Regional Studies

Mark Busby, Editor

Greenwood Press

88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881

0313332665 $699.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

College-level collections serious about their American cultural or history holdings would do well to consider the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN REGIONAL CULTURES despite its hefty price tag: it provides 8 volumes divided by U.S. region: THE SOUTHWEST, SOUTH, MIDWEST, NEW ENGLAND, PACIFIC REGION, GREAT PLAINS REGION, ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION and MID-ATLANTIC REGION. Each book is almost 500 pages in length and features research in the areas of ethnicity, fashion, food, language, literature, music and the arts, religion, folklore and more. An introductory essay provides the overview, with timelines, charts, a bibliography and more packing each book with all the appropriate material for reference and reports. While black and white photos pepper each, the meat of each book lies in its detailed reports and analysis of what makes each regional American culture unique. A highly recommended, indispensable 'must' for any college-level collection strong in American regional studies.