Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups

by Stephan Thernstrom (Editor), Ann Orlov (Editor), Oscar Handlin (Editor)

9 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0674375123

ISBN-10: 0674375122

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From Acadians to Zoroastrians-Asians, American Indians, East Indians, West Indians, Europeans, Latin Americans, Afro-Americans, and Mexican Americans―the Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups provides the first comprehensive and systematic review of the many peoples of this country. It should excite all Americans about their nation.

Informative and entertaining, this volume is an indispensable reference work for home, library and office. It establishes a foundation for the burgeoning field of ethnic studies; it will satisfy and stimulate the popular interest in ancestry and heritage. It is a guide to the history, culture, and distinctive characteristics of the more than 100 ethnic groups who live in the United States.

Each ethnic group is described in detail. The origins, history and present situation of the familiar as well as the virtually unknown are presented succinctly and objectively. Not only the immigrants and refugees who came voluntarily but also those already in the New World when the first Europeans arrived, those whose ancestors came involuntarily as slaves, and those who became part of the American population as a result of conquest or purchase and subsequent annexation figure in these pages. The English and the Estonians, the Germans and the Gypsies, the Swedes and the Serbs are interestingly juxtaposed. Even entries about relatively well-known groups offer new material and fresh interpretations. The articles on less well-known groups are the product of intensive research in primary sources; many provide the first scholarly discussion to appear in English. One hundred and twenty American and European contributors have been involved in this effort, writing either on individual groups or on broad themes relating to many.

The group entries are at the heart of the book, but it contains, in addition, a series of thematic essays that illuminate the key facets of ethnicity. Some of these are comparative; some philosophical; some historical; others focus on current policy issues or relate ethnicity to major subjects such as education, religion, and literature. American identity and Americanization, immigration policy and experience, and prejudice and discrimination in U.S. history are discussed at length. Several essays probe the complex interplay between assimilation and pluralism―perhaps the central theme in American history―and the complications of race and religion.

Numerous cross-references and brief identifications will aid the reader with unfamiliar terms and alternative group names. Eighty-seven maps, especially commissioned, show where different groups have originated. Annotated bibliographies contain suggestions for further reading and research. Appendix I, on methods of estimating the size of groups, leads the reader through a maze of conflicting statistics. Appendix II reproduces, in facsimile, hard-to-locate census and immigration materials, beginning with the first published report on the nativities of the population in 1850.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This book isn't cheap, but it's well worth the sticker price for people seriously interested in the role of race and ethnicity in American life. Distinguished Harvard historian Stephan Thernstrom assembled an impressive collection of experts to write definitively on almost every racial and ethnic group that has had a presence in the United States. A series of extended essays on assimilation, language, law, literature, politics, and other topics also make the book essential reading. The massive numbers of new immigrants entering the United States will demand that this book receive an essential update sometime in the 21st century, but until then it remains a wonderful resource covering more than 200 years of American history.

Review

“Certain to be the standard reference work, to which scholars and lay people alike are certain to turn for many years to come. There is literally no other work which approaches it in comprehensiveness. Even more impressive, however, is the quality of the articles. The editors should be congratulated.”―Seymour Martin Lipset

“This is a major work of scholarship, something that has never been attempted before. It will be an enduring monument to the foresight and large-mindedness of those responsible for its landmark publication. It will be something our grandchildren will thank us for.”―Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press (October 10, 1980)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 1104 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0674375122
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0674375123
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.45 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.85 x 2.08 x 11.33 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #392,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #179 in Encyclopedias (Books)
- #421 in History Encyclopedias
- #1,295 in Anthropology (Books)

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Jay Inhof

Thorough Encyclopedic Compilation of Ethnic America

Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2011

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Bought this comprehensive encyclopedia of ethnic groups in America (used at a good price) because I was researching some family history and genealogy and wanted to place the personalities and research into historical context. Although my edition was not recently published but fairly old and dated, I found the various write-ups most helpful and detailed. I was particularly interested in the German, Norwegian, and Irish immigration movements and settlements in America and each distinct immigrant group's customs, values, and views. The authors covered all of these aspects of the ethnic groups and more and I found the book most helpful and well-written. In addition to the most common ethnic groups in the United States, the editors included essays on a wide range of little known groups or groups of small population.

2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Wonderful Reference Book

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2021

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If you want to know about genealogy and have questions, this book will help answer those questions. It is an older book, but still a great resource to have for understanding!

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SBC

A large volume of great resources.

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2012

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This large encyclopedia is a decent resource if you need information on ethnic groups within American prior to 1980. There is a vast range of ethnic groups represented here, and it is actually quite interesting. I enjoyed the vast resources within and the diversity presented in America to 1980. It contains an interesting perspective of the concept of immigration, assimilation, pluralism and maintenance ethnic culture.

Yet, remember this was published in 1980, so do not look to this book for references for the past 30 years.

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Nick Saganis

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2016

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Published in 1980 and still as relevant as anything since. 1,000 pages of clear and concise facts.

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P. Wales

A basic resource for genealogy

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2014

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I purchased this because it is a recommended resource for genealogical researchers. It provides basic information on ethnic groups that over time came to America. It is excellent for this purpose.

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Jan I.

Great book too bad it is out of print

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2013

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The Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups is everything I expected. As a serious genealogist I am always on the lookout for books that will enhance my research and put add life to my family stories. This book does just that. Most ethnic groups in American are listed and have a historical synopsis. Great for any history enthusiast as well.

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S. Christian

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2017

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helpful resource

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shirley collins

Review of Encyclopedia

Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2009

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The encyclopedia I received was in fair condition and there were no markings on the inside of the book, as was stated by the seller. However, it was a former library book and had been well used with markings from the library. I don't remember that it was referred to as being a former library book. That's OK though because they did not charge very much for the book and it satisfies my purposes. Thank you.

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Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups

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Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups

Buy used: $29.95

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Editorial Reviews

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From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

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Buy used:

$29.95

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