Encyclopedia of North Carolina - by William S Powell (Hardcover)

About the Book

The first single-volume reference to the events, institutions, and cultural forces that have defined the state, this volume was developed by William S. Powell, whom the "Raleigh News & Observer" described as a "living repository of information on all things North Carolinian." (United States)

Book Synopsis

The first single-volume reference to the events, institutions, and cultural forces that have defined the state, the Encyclopedia of North Carolina is a landmark publication that will serve those who love and live in North Carolina for generations to come. Editor William S. Powell, whom the Raleigh News & Observer described as a "living repository of information on all things North Carolinian," spent fifteen years developing this volume. With contributions by more than 550 volunteer writers -- including scholars, librarians, journalists, and many others -- it is a true "people's encyclopedia" of North Carolina.

The volume includes more than 2,000 entries, presented alphabetically, consisting of longer essays on major subjects, briefer entries, and short summaries and definitions. Most entries include suggestions for further reading. Centered on history and the humanities, topics covered include agriculture; arts and architecture; business and industry; the Civil War; culture and customs; education; geography; geology, mining, and archaeology; government, politics, and law; media; medicine, science, and technology; military history; natural environment; organizations, clubs, and foundations; people, languages, and immigration; places and historic preservation; precolonial and colonial history; recreation and tourism; religion; and transportation.

An informative and engaging compendium, the Encyclopedia of North Carolina is abundantly illustrated with 400 photographs and maps. It is both a celebration and a gift -- from the citizens of North Carolina, to the citizens of North Carolina.

Review Quotes

"An extremely valuable and vitally useful contribution, full of important insights, interpretations and intelligence."
-- "Journal of Southern History"

"An informative and engaging guide of North Carolina. Never before has the entire history and culture of the state been skillful[y] explicated in a single all-inclusive book."
-- "The Courier"

"An outstanding single-volume encyclopedia spanning the 400-year history of the state. . . . An important contribution to regional history collections and is indispensable for all North Carolina libraries."
-- "CHOICE"

About the Author

William S. Powell (1919-2015) was professor of history emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is author or editor of many reference books about the state, including the six-volume Dictionary of North Carolina Biography and The North Carolina Gazetteer, both from the University of North Carolina Press. Jay Mazzocchi is an experienced managing editor who was previously a developmental editor and writing fellow for the 24-volume American National Biography.