Date of Review:

07/01/2009

Published Work:

American Countercultures: An Encyclopedia of Nonconformists, Alternative Lifestyles, and Radical Ideas in U.S. History

Reviewer:

A. Knapp, Penn State Altoona

Source:

Choice

Review Excerpt:

This very well-written, well-constructed reference source addresses an aspect of American history that is often overlooked. The three volumes include close to 600 entries written in a scholarly yet very accessible style. The set's definition of counterculture is refreshingly generous, including people and movements in religion, fashion, music, politics, art, literature, and popular culture. Also refreshing is the breadth of history covered, acknowledging the existence of counterculture movements outside the 1960s. Movements are included from the 1600s ("Puritans"), 1700s ("Shakers"), 1800s ("Abolitionism"), and all of the decades of the 20th century and beyond (from "Communism" and "Flappers" to "Mods," "Hippies," and "Hackers"). All volumes are well illustrated with images from respective eras. From a technical viewpoint, this work shines as well. An index to the complete set appears in the back of each of the three volumes. The index gives readers access to material that does not necessarily have its own full entry; e.g., "Zen Buddhism" directs readers to the entry on "Buddhism." A section is devoted to the text of historic documents such as Eugene V. Debs's speech to the Industrial Workers of the World, and the Port Huron Statement. A particularly nice feature is the "Topic Finder" at the beginning of each volume that groups entries together into broader topics, e.g., "Civil Rights and Social Protest Movements" and "Arts and Artists, Visual"--very helpful for browsers. This work would be an excellent companion to the Underground Newspaper Collection microfilm series.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. -- J.A. Knapp, Penn State Altoona

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