Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Latino History and Culture: An Encyclopedia, David J. Leonard and Carmen R. Lugo-Lugo. 2 vols. 676p. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Reference, 2010. 978-0-7656-8083-9; 2008-47796. $229.

The avowed purpose of the editors of this reference guide was to provide researchers from middle school to adult with a historical encyclopedia that is sensitive to Latino contributions to American history and culture. Three introductory essays outline five centuries of Hispanic presence in what is now the United States. Another 295 expert–written articles are arranged alphabetically, from acculturation to Zoot Suit Riots. Many entries survey Latino achievements in art, music, literature, government and sports. Others explore the impact of a long history of disenfranchisement, discrimination and xenophobic legislation. On the positive side, an equally powerful story of perseverance and success emerges in examinations of cultural expression, community based organizations and social reform movements. While many biographical entries feature artists, educators, media personalities, and literary figures, political and social activists dominate. Programs, organizations and movements that have promoted cultural expression are given special attention. Entries on immigrant or Chicano groups and communities also explore questions of labels and identity. Coverage spans successive waves of immigrants, from Spanish explorers to the present. Each entry provides selected resources for further reading. A brief chronology highlights milestones in Hispanic history, and the detailed index provides access to hundreds of related topics. The result is an accessible guide that succeeds in its editors’ aims. While it may lack the breadth of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos & Latinas in the United States (Oxford, 2005), it will serve as an excellent inexpensive alternative for school and public libraries.