Reviews

Sources on African American folklore abound. Until now, however, there has been no single source that covers most aspects of the discipline. Editor Prahlad (English, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia; Reggae Wisdom: Proverbs in Jamaican Music) gathered the work of an impressive cast of 140-plus international scholars and researchers for this three-volume compendium of more than 700 essays. Here, America is defined as North, South, and Latin America and the Caribbean; additional attention is paid to African and Caribbean roots. The focus is on the "most important narrative and non-narrative genres and motifs, major scholars and works, representative artists' key groups, and critical historical and theoretical concepts," and topics covered range from abakwa (an "Afro-Cuban spiritual-esoteric fraternity") to zydeco (a form of music that developed in the early 20th century among Francophone Creoles). Entries are arranged alphabetically, and grouping lists of entries in topical categories such as "Characters in Black Folklore," "Food," "Quilting," and "Theoretical Concepts" simplifies searches for related topics. Extensive indexing and full cross-referencing are also helpful. An appendix listing African American regional centers, museums, festivals, and web sites extends the basic information. The approximately 150 illustrations, nine tables, and addenda in side boxes are visually appealing. Bottom Line This is not an exhaustive study of African American culture; writers are included only if they frequently incorporate folk motifs into their writing (e.g., Zora Neale Hurston). Recommended for secondary school, public, and academic libraries.-Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.