Latino History and Culture ─ An Encyclopedia

In their preface to this two-volume encyclopedia the editors (both based at Washington State University) explain their use of "Latino" rather than "Hispanic," a term, they explain, coined by the US government that erroneously asserts an identification with Spain. Notions about terminology change over time, but there's no doubt about the wide audience for this reference, which is geared toward students in high school and above as well as general readers and professionals in various roles involving the Spanish-speaking population in the United States. Three overview essays cover historical eras, from 1492 through the present. Some 300 alphabetically arranged entries--signed articles of a page or more in length, with cross references and further reading lists--include biographies of influential Latinos, discussion of specific national and ethnic communities in the US, and description of institutions, organizations, movements, social issues, forms of expression, and various aspects of Latino identity. The reference is carefully prepared and includes thematic access to the entries as well as a thorough index, a chronology, and a master bibliography. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)