Encyclopedia of women and religion in North America /

The organization of this three-volume encyclopedia is thematic rather than alphabetical, with the emphasis throughout on providing an interpretive, rather than merely descriptive, account of the history of women and religion in North America. Contributors include both academics and activists coming from a range of religious traditions and perspectives, but all share a basic feminist methodological commitment to the significance of women's history and experience. The encyclopedia takes a decidedly feminist approach to the topics covered, but the coverage is not limited to just those religious traditions where feminism has had a significant impact. Indeed, the encyclopedia neither ignores nor dismisses those religious traditions and movements where feminism has either had little influence or where it has provoked a negative reaction. And while this resource does a commendable job of covering women's history in relation to specific religious traditions and movements, it goes a step beyond by also attending to issues of how women's religious commitments and affiliations have affected the larger society and culture of North America. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are used throughout the volumes, and each entry is followed by a brief bibliographic essay on sources. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. A. Limpitlaw Yale University