Molefi Asante is a distinguished scholar and is best known for creating the discipline of Black Studies over 25 years ago. He is the Editor for the Journal of Black Studies (Sage) and the Encyclopedia of Black Studies (Sage Reference, 12/04 933 units, $82k LTD). His recent research has centered on the history and present developments of African religions. Mazama is an Associate Professor of African American Studies with a Ph.D. from the Sorbonne, five books and more than fifty articles. She is the co-editor o the Encyclopedia of Black Studies. Her forthcoming book will be on the Vodun religion in Haiti.
"This volume is significantly more comprehensive than the relevant
sections of S. Glazier’s Encyclopedia of African and
African-American Religions (Routledge, 2001). Articles range from
broad essays such as “Creation,” “Rites of Passage,” and
“Circumcision” to shorter entries on topics such as the Pocomania
religion, sangoma (a type of Zulu healer), and the Yoruba deity
Ifa. There are numerous articles on the religious traditions of
specific groups, as well as articles on important individuals. The
religious traditions of the African diaspora, such as Santeria and
Vodou, are also covered. The information is generally accurate and
clear. A short bibliography follows each of the signed articles, as
do cross-references, though sometimes these are inadequate. A
reader’s guide lists the articles by type, and the helpful appendix
lists the names of God used among different groups. Full access
will be impeded by the author’s occasional use of the African form
of Egyptian gods’ names, rather than the more familiar Greek forms.
For example, there is no reference to Osiris, who appears here
under the name Ausar, and although there is an article titled
“Thoth,” his name in other articles becomes Tehuti, with no
explanation. The black-and-white illustrations are sporadic, but
adequate. Overall, because of its singular focus, reliability, and
scope, this encyclopedia will prove invaluable where there is
considerable interest in Africa or in different religious
traditions."
–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
*Library Journal*
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