The Malcolm X Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

by Robert L. Jenkins (Editor), Mfanya Donald Tryman (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Tracing Malcolm X (1919-65) as he was in life and has become in death, Mississippi State University historian Jenkins and political scientist Tryman offer the first encyclopedic treatment of the man and the myth. The preface and introduction are followed by 11 introductory essays that are 1000 to 3000 words in length. These, and the more than 500 entries that follow, represent the work of 70 contributors from a wide range of fields (e.g., psychology, education, sociology). The work as a whole seeks to define and develop aspects of the world Malcolm inhabited and influenced, from his boyhood in Nebraska and Michigan to his internationally recognized leadership, which made him a cultural icon. While immediately useful as a ready-reference tool, the work suffers from an apparent lack of focus, cohesion, and consistency among the essays and the encyclopedic entries. This exacerbates the difficulties in capturing the scope and substance of so wide-ranging a figure as Malcolm X. Too many of the entry topics, such as Malcolm as "fund-raiser" or "journalist" or "speaker," appear impossibly broad for the treatment provided. Given the renewed and rapidly expanding interest in Malcolm X, this should be a handy, albeit flawed, reference, but it needs immediate and major revision. For general reference, biography, and African American collections. Thomas J. Davis, Arizona State Univ., Tempe
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
“The first major reference work concerning the life and career of Malcolm X, this encyclopedia explores the slain African American Muslim leader's revolutionary and often misunderstood philosophies as well as the people, places, and events that surrounded and influenced him. It goes a step further, providing information about the people, events, and movements that were in turn influenced by Malcolm X during his lifetime and since his assassination. Over 500 highly readable essays, contributed by roughly 80 scholars, journalists, and others, arranged alphabetically, include selected bibliographies, cross-references, several illustrations, a chronology, and ten more substantial "theme essays."....Recommended for all academic levels studying Malcolm X, particularly as a companion to his autobiography and speeches.”–Choice

“For general reference, biography, and African American collections.”–Library Journal

“[w]elcome and important guide for both researchers and undergraduates to the growing body of literature on hte subject....This volume is highly recommended for all academic and public libraries.”–ARBA Online

“...a comprehensive resource not only to the life of Malcolm but also to the persons who influenced him and the turbulent world that had an indelible efffect on his personal growth and beliefs...Recommended for all collections.”–Multicultural and Review

“This work will be a handy reference tool for older students studying the Civil Rights movement...The work is suitable for both school and public libraries.”–VOYA

“...well worth the read for any person studying African-American history...Recommended.”–The Book Report

“The Malcolm X Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive resource on this historic figure. The major section of the volume consists of 500 essays that create a cross-disciplinary, textured description of the man, his life, his times, and events...considering the stature of the subject and the ongoing interest in part of the general public and students (as seen in more than 150 Web sites and several thousand Web pages devoted to him), the encyclopedia would add a first-stop resource for library users seeking information on this important figure of contemporary history.”–Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

“[T]his volume serves as an authoritative guide to a complex intellect who truly helped transform American culture and thinking.”–Lawrence Looks at Books

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 664 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (February 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313292647
• ISBN-13: 978-0313292644
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,483,536 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Resource, July 18, 2008

A Kid's Review

This is a "must have" book for anyone seriously interested in the Honorable El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. You will be very happy with the book, particularly, as a quick reference guide.