Rastafari and Reggae: A Dictionary and Sourcebook [Hardcover]

Rebekah Michele Mulvaney (Author), Carlos I.H. Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 1990

Coinciding with the sixtieth anniversary of Rastafari, this reference book traces the relationship between two intertwined aspects of Jamaican culture: Rastafari and reggae music. As important voices in the ongoing dialogue concerning Jamaica's search for a national identity, Rastafari and reggae have had a significant impact on international music and culture. This work is the first to document and describe these areas for researchers, providing a comprehensive dictionary of terms, people, places, and concepts relevant to Rastafari, reggae music, and their related histories. In a unique collaboration from the American and Jamaican perspectives, Mulvaney and Nelson have supplied annotated references and cross references for written materials, audio recordings, videocassettes, and films that cover the first sixty years of Rastafari and over twenty years of reggae music. The book is comprised of four main sections. The dictionary serves as the focal point for the cross referencing of the entire book and offers entries that are either directly related to Rastafari and reggae or provide a historical context. The discography, which includes 200 entries, represents a cross section of reggae music from 1968 to 1990 and is organized by musician or band name. A small, representative sample of documentary, concert, and narrative fiction videocassettes that address aspects of Rastafari or reggae music are catalogued in the videography, along with selected films. Finally, the bibliography, prepared by Carlos I.H. Nelson, provides a thorough overview of journal and magazine articles, creative works, dissertations, books, interviews, parts of books, reviews, and theses written by and about Rastafarians and reggae musicians. It covers the past importance, present significance, and future legacies of the movement and the music. The work also includes two appendices that list relevant periodicals and representative musicians and bands. Music students and researchers will find Rastafari and Reggae to be a valuable reference source, as will students in Caribbean and cultural studies, communication, history, and anthropology courses. For academic, public, and music library collections, the book will be an important addition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A combination dictionary and annotated discography, videography and bibliography, this sourcebook brings together listings of materials on the Rastafarian movement and reggae music, `two intertwined aspects of Jamaican culture which confront the historically situated position of African Jamaicans as members of the larger African diaspora.' The 93-page dictionary defines words, describes the contribution of individuals and musical groups associated with reggae music, and explains historical and political events related to Jamaica or Ethiopia (a symbol to Rastafarians of a free and sovereign Africa). . . . This sourcebook serves as a good introduction to Rastafari and reggae. Recommended for most university and college libraries.”–Booklist

“A combination dictionary and annotated discography, videography, and bibliography, this sourcebook brings together listings of materials on the Rastafarian movement and reggae music, 'two intertwined aspects of Jamaican culture which confront the historically situated position of African Jamaicans as members of the larger African diaspora'. . .this sourcebook serves as a good introduction to Rastafari and reggae. For most university and college libraries, some community college libraries, and public libraries where there is local interest.”–Reference Books Bulletin

About the Author

REBEKAH MICHELE MULVANEY is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Florida Atlantic University.

CARLOS I.H. NELSON is Associate University Librarian at Florida Atlantic University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press; annotated edition edition (August 13, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313260710
• ISBN-13: 978-0313260711
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,692,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Practices > Rastafari

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Spectacular Reference Book, April 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rastafari and Reggae: A Dictionary and Sourcebook (Hardcover)

Rastafari and Reggae: A Dictionary and Sourcebook is truly just that. It does a great job as a source and reference book. With tons of terms to refer to, he who uses this book will truly be the more knowledgeable on the subject of reggae. Its one big glossary of reggae terms and important people.