This book is designed to serve as a companion to Encyclopedia of Science Fiction (2005), and covers the remaining two main branches of fantastic fiction, fantasy and supernatural horror. Critics have argued for years about precisely where the borderlines should be drawn within fantastic fiction as a whole, but some broad assumptions can be made, although even in these cases there are numerous exceptions to the rule.
On November 30, 1803 France formally transferred 828,000 square miles to the United States in exchange for USD 15 million. This land, the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the nation. While negotiations for this deal had been going on, Thomas Jefferson had already begun thinking about a transcontinental expedition to explore the lands west of the Mississippi. Besides the commercial and scientific benefits of such an exploration, there was the issue of asserting America's sovereignty over the new territory.
Encyclopedia of Native American Indians is a comprehensive, accessible guide to more than 150 North American Indian nations. Organized alphabetically by tribe or group, the book summarizes the historical record--such as locations, migrations, contacts with non-Indians, wars--and includes present-day tribal status. Readers will get a brief look at traditional Indian lifeways, including language, families, clothing, houses, boats, tools, arts, legends, and rituals.
Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World is a unique A-to-Z reference to the vast offerings made by American Indians throughout history. More than 450 entries provide a panorama of little-known information about the rich inventiveness of indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America. To be included in the book, the item must have originated in one of those three regions, have been used by Indian people, and have been adopted in some way by other cultures.
Offers alphabetically arranged profiles of one hundred fifty female performers, including actresses, choreographers, comics, dancers, directors, musicians, performance artists, singers, songwriters, talk show hosts, and a stripper. Choice of entries is multicultural and multinational, including Latina dancer Rita Moreno, Osage ballerina Maria Tallchief, Canadian singer and actress Eva Tanguay, and Chinese American actress Anna May Wong.