Latinas in the United States: A Historical Encyclopedia (3 volume set) [Hardcover]

Vicki L. Ruiz (Editor), Virginia Sánchez Korrol (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0253346800 | ISBN-13: 978-0253346803 | Publication Date: May 3, 2006

Latinas in the United States: A Historical Encyclopedia records the contribution of women of Latin American birth or heritage to the economic and cultural development of the United States. The encyclopedia, edited by Vicki L. Ruiz and Virginia Sánchez-Korrol, is the first comprehensive gathering of scholarship on Latinas. This encyclopedia will serve as an essential reference for decades to come.

In more than 580 entries, the historical and cultural narratives of Latinas come to life. From mestizo settlement, pioneer life, and diasporic communities, the encyclopedia details the contributions of women as settlers, comadres, and landowners, as organizers and nuns. More than 200 scholars explore the experiences of Latinas during and after EuroAmerican colonization and conquest; the early-19th-century migration of Puerto Ricans and Cubans; 20th-century issues of migration, cultural tradition, labor, gender roles, community organization, and politics; and much more. Individual biographical entries profile women who have left their mark on the historical and cultural landscape.

With more than 300 photographs, Latinas in the United States offers a mosaic of historical experiences, detailing how Latinas have shaped their own lives, cultures, and communities through mutual assistance and collective action, while confronting the pressures of colonialism, racism, discrimination, sexism, and poverty.

"Meant for scholars and general readers, this is a great resource on Latinas and historical topics connected with them."—curledup.com

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

With immigration much in the news and candidates now courting both Latino and women voters, the history of Latinas in the U.S. becomes increasingly timely. The preface to this involving, sweeping work cites poet Aurora Levins Morales: "I am new. History made me. My first language was spanglish. I was born at the crossroads and I am whole."

Aimed at both scholarly and general readers, this alphabetically arranged encyclopedia contains almost 600 articles and 300 photographs. A detailed, clearly written introduction gives regional historical overviews of the Latina experience in the Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and Pacific Northwest. The body of the encyclopedia consists of articles on pertinent topics (Deportations during the Great Depression, Family, Theater); significant historical events; organizations that promote Latina empowerment; and biographical profiles on predominately working-class women whose experiences and actions helped build the U.S and shape the future of today's Latinas. The scope is impressive, the more so as it encompasses not only well-known Latinas, such as Pura Belpre and Dolores Huerta, but also women whose accomplishments are more modest: completing nursing school, becoming a teacher, challenging unjust treatment in school districts, opening and running a business. These entries give a clear sense of how individual lives, not just those that receive media coverage, serve to drive historical change and how the slow, steady accretion of rights gained and social institutions opened makes a society more inclusive. Black-and-white photographs are well placed, enhancing the articles considerably.

All articles are signed by the 230 contributors, most of whom have college or university affiliations. At the end of each entry, see also notations provide superb cross-referencing, and a "Sources" section directs readers to more comprehensive works. All three volumes begin with a full-set table of contents. Volume 3 includes a list of biographical entries by subject area (for example, "Art," "Education"); a list of organizations; a three-page list of selected readings; notes on the contributors; and an exemplary index, with main article pages listed in boldface and photographs noted in italics.

As the Hispanic population of the U.S. continues to grow, Latina history will become more integral to a full understanding of the American experience. This informed and carefully composed encyclopedia is an excellent place to start. Recommended for public, college, and university libraries. Ann Welton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"[T]his groundbreaking work provides up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of Latinas only, making it valuable for all libraries." —Library Journal

(Library Journal 2009)

"The encyclopedia is an important contribution to Latino and women's studies. It is a valuable resource and a recommended addition to reference collections in high school, community college, and college and university libraries." —American Reference Books Annual 2007

(American Reference Books Annual 2007 )

"This three-volume set records the contribution of women of Latin American birth or heritage to the economic and cultural development of the U.S." —Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education

(Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education )

"Recommended. Lower—/upper—level undergraduates; general readers." —Choice

(Choice )

"Every so often there is a book or encyclopedia that appears in print that is an absolute goldmine. This three-volume encyclopedia is just such a goldmine." —American Catholic Studies, Spring 2009

(American Catholic Studies )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 944 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (May 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253346800
• ISBN-13: 978-0253346803
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,419,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)