American Dissidents [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Activists, Subversives, and Prisoners of Conscience

by Kathlyn Gay (Editor)

Overview

Anarchists, civil rights advocates, dissidents, and political pundits have all played key roles in shaping our nation. Examining modern-day individuals like WikiLeaker Bradley Manning and conservative video prankster James O'Keefe as well as those of prior decades like César Chávez, this book profiles controversial figures across history.

The two-volume American Dissidents: An Encyclopedia of Activists, Subversives, and Prisoners of Conscience is a work that is as interesting as it is important, spotlighting men and women who are heroes to some, outlaws and villains to others. The 150 individuals profiled in this encyclopedia represent diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, as well as various movements and ideologies. They are authors, anarchists, civil rights advocates, communists, entertainers, environmentalists, government officials, labor organizers, libertarians, military personnel, pacifists, political activists from the left and right, religious leaders, and suffragettes—all of whom have labored to change the social, economic, and political landscapes of the United States.

Each of the profiles of 2,000 words or more offers not only biographical data but also information to help readers place the individuals within the context of events that surrounded and influenced their activities. Because objectivity is a key consideration of the work, entries include both praise and criticism.

• 150 profiles of 20th- and 21st-century American dissidents, subversives, and political activists
• References at the end of each entry
• An extensive bibliography for further research

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598847642
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/12/2011
Pages:	685
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 10.30(h) x 2.20(d)

About the Author

Kathlyn Gay is a prolific writer of nonfiction information books for adults and teens. Her published works include more than 100 titles.

Editorial Reviews

"The entries were well-written and well-researched and include bibliographies for further reading. Gay’s introduction provides an excellent historical overview of activism in the US from the sixteenth-century pilgrims seeking religious freedom to the protests of the twenty-first century. . . . While the primary audience would be high-school students or undergraduates, more advanced scholars would find the search features useful as well for authoritative biographies, particularly for the more obscure or most recent figures." - Reference Reviews

"This is a solid reference work for college students and the general public. Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers." - Choice

"Content should be accessible to students in high school and up. Teachers and librarians will appreciate the factual and even tone as well as the breadth of coverage. Recommended for high school, large public, and academic collections." - Booklist

From the Publisher