A Fulbright American Studies professor at the University of Helsinki who has written extensively about the U.S and European radical right wing has brought together a wealth of information. Although some of the contributors are themselves members or former members of radical-right movements, they were asked to neither demonize nor proselytize but create an unbiased historical record. The encyclopedia, which arose from a dissertation, is thus an "insider/outsider approach." The overriding purpose is to gain a greater understanding of the "Euro-American White Power subculture."Among criteria for inclusion are that the movement or individual is strongly racist but not a militia movement focused on the Second Amendment; revolutionary rather than conservative; strongly religious; contemporary rather than historical (with some exceptions, such as Hitler); and representative of eight major categories, such as "Christian Identity," 'Ku Klux Klan," and "Youth Scene." Emphasis is on U.S and Scandinavia, with some coverage of the United Kingdom. Specific examples of topics that are covered include
Aryan Nations, Father Joseph Coughlin,
David Duke ,
Internet recruiting ,
Skinheads , and
Waco. More than 100 entries are arranged alphabetically, and many include quotations and excerpts from primary source material as well as fairly in-depth discussion. They conclude with cross-references and further readings. Although some articles are one paragraph in length, others, such as
White Power music , are five to seven pages. Following the entries is an extensive selection of movement reports and documents.The encyclopedia would have benefited from further editing. There is much duplication. For example, some of the same information on the American Nazi Party is found in several entries rather than covered once and then cross-referenced. The entry on Randy Weaver has duplication within the same pages. On the whole, however, this is a solid and an important (if expensive) contribution to historical and contemporary understanding of white racism, and academic and large public libraries will want to add it to their collections.
RBBCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
The
Encyclopedia of White Power is an extremely topical, useful and enlightening volume, which seeks to delineate the "Euro-American White Power subculture"... [the] "kaleidoscope of views" will allow readers to receive a deeper and more differentiated understanding of the subject matter than would be afforded by one hegemonic voice...Jeffrey Kaplan is a fluent and often humorous writer. He has produced a riveting, fascinating volume which is informative, analytical, and sometimes very alarming; but which is also, in this reader's view, basically objective. (Thomas Robbins
Nova Religio, 7:1, (July 2003) )
On the whole...this is a solid and important contribution to historical and contemporary understanding of white racism, and academic and large public libraries will want to add it to their collections. (
Booklist )
A unique, engrossing, and sometimes astonishing work; its comprehensiveness and willingness to let members of the pertinent racial movements to explain themselves on critical matters virtually guarantees that it will be the best sourcebook on the subject for a long time to come. Kaplan's special quality as a scholar has always been his ability to gain the confidence of those he interviews: a quality exhibited over and over again here. (David C. Rapoport )
The civil rights movement has been limned and dissected in great detail for half a century. Now the much less familiar countermovement—white power—gets some overdue attention. Kaplan avoids both demonization and praise as he puts the radical right on the table for our perusal. . . . A mix of scholarly and participant voices give this volume a rich overall content and texture. An encyclopedia that is as engrossing a read as any novel. (Miller, Timothy )
This reviewer would highly recommend Kaplan's encyclopedia for library reference collections. In addition, this volume would serve as a helpful compendium to students and researchers trying to deal with the breadth of philosophies and organizations in the white power movement....This volume is a must for researchers in the field....Kaplan's volume is an accessible way to see the movement through well-organized materials that emphasize the historical, cross-cultural, philosophical, and sociological aspects toward understanding the 'far right.' (Stephanie Shanks-Meile
H-Net Reviews )
This is a fascinating, disturbing, and invaluable resource for all concerned with the phenomenon of white racism and neo-fascism in contemporary Europe and the United States. The great majority of the entries, written by the editor, Mr. Kaplan, are not only informative but also in an elegant and ironic style just right for the subject. The value of the volume is only enhanced by a few clearly designated entries and an appendix of primary source material by persons and groups covered in the encyclopedia. It will be helpful to users of this reference work to see for themselves what this literature looks like, and at the same time I have no doubt that most readers will close this section of the book impressed by nothing so much as the utter irresponsibility and intellectual vacuity of the rhetoric. Nonetheless, it is important that white power and neo-facism be understood. Recommended for libraries and all individuals involved with the issue. (Robert S. Ellwood )
For anyone interested in contemporary right-wing racism this volume is indispensable. The
Encyclopedia provides a guide to virtually all the leaders and organizations that constitute the racist right in America and Northern Europe today. For scholars who specialize in studying the far right, the volume is a valuable source of primary materials because it also serves as a sourcebook containing major statements from leading figures in the racist movements themselves. (Leonard Weinberg )
This encyclopedia is manifestly comprehensive, scholarly, and utilitarian. Students, journalists, and activists should find this a solid resource—a worthwhile first step in an inquiry. It should be in every library. (Howard J. Ehrlich
Perspectives )
This book has much to recommend it. It will help one better understand the radical racist right, and it provides both commentaries by academics and original documents by important racists. Anyone doing research on racist white power issues or persons, or who just wants to know more about the topic, will do well to consult this volume. (Russell Eisenman
Journal Of Church and State )
The Encyclopedia of White Power is the only book of its kind, thus making it a crucial acquisition for all libraries. Its anthology of primary texts would compliment a variety of undergraduate religion courses , while graduate students and researchers will find its depth provides many opportunities to expand the current research on white separatism. (Jeffrey Marlett
Religious Studies Review )
This is a clearly written, well organized book, which provides extensive information about the complex political sociology of white separatist groups and should be required reading for social scientists interested in the topic....As a rule, an encylopedia simply serves as a reference book about specific topics, but because of the provocative content and style of this one, casual examiners might be induced to explore extensively. (Christopher B. Doob
Journal Of American Ethnic History, Winter 2002 )
The
Encyclopedia of White Power is an extremely topical, useful and enlightening volume, which seekst o delineate the "Euro-American White Power subculture." Jeffery Kaplan is a fluent andoften humorous writer. He has produced a riveting, fascinating volume which is informative, analytical, and sometimes very alarming; but which is also, in this reader's view, basically objective. (Thomas Robbins
Nova Religio 7:1, (July 2003) )
