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Summary
Summary
An encyclopedia of the Renaissance with articles on various aspects of social, cultural, and political history such as literature, government, warfare, and technology, plus maps, charts, definitions, and chronology.
Reviews (3)
Booklist Review
As more leisure time became available, Americans developed an increasing number of recreational opportunities--and became more ambivalent about those opportunities. There was growing tension between adhering to the work ethic and enjoying the by-products of efficient work. This encyclopedia captures the range of recreational possibilities, as well as many of the consequences arising from it in American culture. To get an idea of the scope of the encyclopedia, one can consult the "Systematic Outline of Contents," found near the end of volume 2, which presents the conceptual framework for the wealth of information contained in the work. Entries are grouped under seven broad categories: "Social Development of Leisure in America"; "Processes: Impact of Technologies"; "Trends"; "People--Identities, Interactions, and Institutions"; "Ceremonial Occasions"; "Leisure Sites"; and "Leisure Activities, Past and Present." Most of these categories are divided further; "Leisure Sites," for example, encompasses "Fairs," "Parks," and other subcategories. The 271 A-Z0 entries are signed and include bibliographies and see also0 references. They make very interesting reading. One can explore the history of Garage and yard sales 0 and Playgrounds 0 and learn about Puritans at leisure.0 There are entries for dining out0 , Religious holidays, Rock-climbing, Stock car racing0 , and just about any leisure activity or venue imaginable, including Brothels.0 Some of the essays deal with issues such as the lobalization of American leisure0 and Work and leisure ethics0 .The detailed index found at the end of volume 2 guides users to the depth and breadth of information included. The few photographs break up the text slightly and are sometimes interesting but are not necessary to the information, nor to the audience who will use the encyclopedia. This encyclopedia is a complement to The Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation 0 (Routledge, 2003), which deals more with the concepts, theories, and models used in the study of leisure by a wide variety of disciplines. Encyclopedia of Recreation and Leisure 0 in America is highly recommended to all libraries developing their collections in American history, popular culture, and social issues. High-school and college students will find it useful for assignments, and the general reader interested in culture and leisure can enjoy reading well-written entries on a variety of topics. --Linda Loos Scarth Copyright 2005 Booklist
Choice Review
Part of the "Scribner American Civilization Series," this is one of the few encyclopedias in the field of recreation, describing the spare-time activities Americans have engaged in from Colonial times to the present. Cross gives special attention to how leisure activities have varied by region, class, ethnicity, gender, and age. Articles written by specialists reflect shifting social, cultural, political, and economic trends in the US. Each article offers cross-references and bibliographies. The "Systematic Outline of Contents" in volume 2 shows the encyclopedia's conceptual framework, with entries arranged under seven major categories ("Social Development of Leisure," "Processes: Impact of Technologies," "Trends," "People--Identities, Interactions and Institutions," "Ceremonial Occasions," "Leisure Sites," and "Leisure Activities, Past and Present") and 26 subcategories. Over 200 illustrations depict recreational personalities, activities, locations, and objects. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. General readers; secondary, undergraduate, and graduate students; researchers. J. Cheng Southern Connecticut State University
Library Journal Review
A new installment in Scribner's "American Civilization" series, which also includes Violence in America and Encyclopedia of American Social History, this work provides information on all aspects of leisure in America, including historical influences, cultural changes, economic effects, and more. Averaging one to three pages, the 172 entries are alphabetically arranged by subject, with a table of contents in Volume 1, an all-encompassing index in Volume 2, and a systematic outline of the title's contents arranged in seven broad categories and 26 subcategories. The well-written essays provide historical information on the topic, specific activities related to the sport/leisure activity, and current conditions. Each entry is signed and contains a bibliography. Bottom Line Similar to Routledge's one-volume Encyclopedia of Leisure and Outdoor Recreation, this is a fascinating look at data useful for research papers, sociological studies, and historical evaluations or simply to satisfy curiosity. The Routledge volume has a more international focus, describing in detail concepts related to the intersection of leisure, recreation, and tourism, while sports enjoy broader coverage in the Scribner volume. Both works are recommended for all types of libraries.-Marilyn Searson Lary, North Georgia Coll. & State Univ., Dahlonega (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
