Encyclopedia of Local History

Reviews / Votes

While history keeps changing and incorporating significant elements of the past, so do handbooks like this third iteration focused on doing, appreciating, and conveying stories of people and entities with specific geographic connections. Intended for public and academic libraries (although practitioners might also appreciate owning it), this edition is longer by over 100 pages than the second, ed. by Carol Kammen, with (now-solo author) Wilson, an independent museum consultant. The encyclopedia's reissue after a mere half-decade attests to its emphasis on diversity and multiple, evolving perspectives. Essays are by academics (both professors and students), or government and public-history scholars or managers. Some are new since earlier editions, and some are reprinted (notably those by Michael Kammen, who died in 2013.) There are appendixes on ethnic and religious groups, state historical associations, and National Archives and Records Administration facilities, plus a listing of state archivists (although difficult to keep current in the printed format). Brief biographies of selected contributors list their entries and for some, their academic positions and degrees. Some of the unsigned entries appear to be the work of the editorial board. Cross-references rather than an index lead users to related essays. This new edition maintains and advances the goals of local history and public history.

Summing Up: Recommended. All libraries. All levels. * Choice Reviews * A particular strength is [the book's] full coverage of local history state by state in the USA and Canada. The book is extremely easy to use with a clear alphabetical sequence of short entries with asterisks to indicate cross-references and plenty of relevant bibliographical references. * Reference Reviews * The third edition of the Encyclopedia of Local History is a thoughtful reference book from leading public historians, curators, and educators who are engaged in a national conversation about how we are conducting local history now, in a post-9/11 era. Readers will discover new connections among the topics and issues in this single compendium assembled to encourage local historians to think about their work in a broader context that is ever more aware of inclusion, diversity, shared authority and historical relevance. -- Julia Rose The Encyclopedia of Local History is an easy- to-use reference work that should be on every local historian's and library's shelf. Written in clear and concise language, the volume offers brief but very substantial summaries of the people, places, and ideas that shape our understanding of who we are and how we came to be. -- Gretchen Sullivan Sorin, Director & Distinguished Service Professor, Cooperstown Graduate Program