The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History, edited by Bonnie G. Smith, captures the experiences of women throughout history in a far-reaching, four-volume work. Although there has been extensive research on women in history by region, no other text or reference work has comprehensively covered the role women have played throughout world history. With over 650 biographies of influential women and over 600 topical articles covering topics such as geography and history, culture and society, organizations, movements, and gender studies, Women in World History is the definitive reference work in the field.

In the past thirty years there has been an explosion of research and an effort to present the experiences and contributions of women not only in the Western world, but across the globe. Scholars have investigated women’s daily lives in virtually every area and researched the leadership roles women have filled across times and regions. They have found that there is virtually no historical, social, or demographic change in which women have not been involved and by which their lives have not been affected. Women in World History helps tell this story, illuminating how women worldwide have influenced and been influenced by these historical, social, and demographic changes.

Bonnie G. Smith is Board of Governors Professor of History at Rutgers University and the Director of the Institute for Research on Women at Rutgers University. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester and is the author of The Gender of History: Men, Women, and Historical Practice; Global Feminisms: A Survey of Issues and Controversies; Gendering Disability; and The Medieval and Early Modern World.

 

 

e-reference edition ISBN: 9780195337860
Print edition ISBN: 9780195148909
Print edition publication date: 2008
Publishing history: First published 2008
Copyright: © Oxford University Press 2008

 

*****

The Encyclopedia contains over 1,250 signed articles arranged in an A-Z format for ease of use. The entries cover six main areas: biographies; geography and history; comparative culture and society, including adoption, abortion, performing arts; organizations and movements, such as the Egyptian Uprising, and the Paris Commune; womens' and gender studies; and topics in world history that include slave trade, globalization, and disease. With its rich and insightful entries by leading scholars and experts, this reference work is sure to be a valued, go-to resource for scholars, college and high school students, and general readers alike.

This was selected as an Outstanding Reference Source for 2009.

Editorial Reviews from Amazon

 

5.0 out of 5 Stars

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Aiming to survey “women’s history in all parts of the world and at all times in the past,” The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History contains nearly 1,250 entries and subentries covering not only individual women but a very wide range of other topics, from Brazil to Buddhism, Feminism to Footbinding, and Welfare state to Witchcraft. Biographical coverage is “representative rather than exhaustive.” The biographical entries are among the shortest—generally less than a page in length—and, with a few exceptions, cover women who are deceased. Among the longest entries are Education (17 pages), Family (15 pages), and Slavery (18 pages). There are also lengthy entries for some nations and geographic regions, most notably China (23 pages) and the U.S. (22 pages). The entry Africa is 12 pages and is supplemented by separate, multipage entries for Central Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa as well as for some individual African countries. Under polygamy in the index, readers will find references to the practice in ancient China and Egypt, in Iraq, in Russia, and among the Aztecs, to name just a few. This global perspective, bolstered by the fact that the 900 or so contributors represent “some fifty countries around the world,” is one of the set’s most important contributions. All entries and subentries have bibliographies, and many have see also references. Some 450 black-and-white illustrations accompany the text. An alphabetical list of articles and an extensive chronology can be found in volume 1, and volume 4 contains a “Topical Outline of Entries,” a “Directory of Contributors,” and a very detailed 73-page index. There is no shortage of reference works on women’s history. A number of them, such as A History of Women in the United States: State-by-State Reference (Grolier, 2003) and Women and War: A Historical Encyclopedia from Antiquity to the Present (ABC-CLIO, 2006), are more narrowly focused. The 17-volume Women in World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia (Gale, 2002) covers nearly 10,000 women but has no topical entries. By merging women’s and world history, the impeccably produced Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History earns a place on the reference shelves of academic and large public libraries. --Mary Ellen Quinn

*****

"[Its] global perspective, bolstered by the fact that the 900 or so contributors represent 'some fifty countries around the world', is one of the set's most important contributions....By merging women's and world history, the impeccably produced Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History earns a place on the reference shelves of academic and large public libraries."--Mary Ellen Quinn, Booklist

*****

5.0 out of 5 Stars

Moon at Midnight Book Store

Although there has been extensive research on women in history by region, no text or reference work has comprehensively covered the role women have played throughout world history. The Encyclopedia of Women in World History assembles the experiences of women throughout world history in this comprehensive, 4-volume work.

With an explosion in the past 30 years in both research and the effort to present the experiences and contributions of women not only in the Western world but across the globe. Historians have scrutinized women's daily lives in essentially every region and researched the leadership roles women have filled across centuries and regions. The results demonstrate that there is virtually no historical, social, or demographic change in which women have not been involved and consequently by which their lives have not been affected. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History benefits greatly from these efforts and experiences by illuminating how women worldwide have influenced and been influenced by these historical, social, and demographic changes.

With more than 1,250 signed articles arranged in an A-Z format for ease of use, the Encyclopedia's entries cover six main areas:

  1. geography and history
  2. biographies
  3. comparative culture and society, which includes adoption, abortion, performing arts
  4. organizations and movements, such as the the Paris Commune or the Egyptian Uprising
  5. womens and gender studies
  6. world history including slave trade, globalization, and disease.

With its rich and insightful entries by leading scholars and experts, The Encyclopedia of Women in World History as a reference work is sure to be a valued, go-to resource for scholars, college and high school students, and general readers alike.

Having poured over this enriching book for three weeks in Maui, I can certainly say it is engaging. Most people searching for vacation condos on Maui would not conceive of reading a 4-volume encyclopedia during their stay on this tropical paradise. I enjoyed plenty of sun and water. Snorkeling everyday for an hour was my exercise, and then reclining in a comfortable lounge on the condo's lania to peruse the Encyclopedia of Women in World History was certainly not tedious. I was thoroughly engaged. You really can't complain that the view from one's work space was boring.

I must say our rental was furnished with some extraordinarily gorgeous cast iron skillets. I think we used their 9" skillet every day. At breakfast it was perfect for our hearty eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, & toast. At dinner, when we did eat in, it cooked our steaks perfectly. The kitchen had a complete set of designer cast iron cookware including a dutch oven and a 12" braising pan. My wife was so taken with them that we emailed the owner to find out where they were purchased. You might think I am talking about the typical cast iron frying pan our mothers and gram mothers used. You might have one yourself. But these cast iron cooking pans are designed with a unique handle that captures the gesture of a branch from a cherry tree, abstracted of course that is pleasing to the eye and but is also ergonomically comfortable for both right and left handed cooks. The set of cookware was rather new since its machined smooth interior was still a bronzy hue that is the result of its pre-season treatment with two rounds of organic flaxseed oil at a temperature of 425º. I learned that from the NestHomeware website where they are sold. The color will change, deepening and darkening over time as layers of seasoning build, eventually reaching a rich black. We were smitten with this lovely set of cast iron cookware and I plan to buy it as a Christmas gift to my wife.

The west coast of Maui is beautiful and the sunsets are dazzling. I was not under any hardship while reviewing this comprehensive history of women socially, politically and economically. Believe me.

*****

"Smith does an admirable job of summarizing and synthesizing a vast academic literature in clear, jargon-free language that will engage scholars and general readers alike....Highly recommended for academic and public libraries."—CHOICE

 

*****

 

5.0 out of 5 stars

Deserves more than 5 stars

By Walah Azzam Al Sabah on June 27, 2008

Format: Hardcover

This product deserves more than 5 stars. Simply excellent, this 4-volume encyclopedia has made its reader comprehend the history of women socially, politically and economically.

This book, although simple and easy to read, would be very beneficial to people specialized in women's studies. If you are interested in women's studies, or would like to achieve a professional career in the sphere, you have got to purchase this Superb 4-volume encyclopedia.

If you want to understand how women have fared throughout history in an economic, political and social sense, this 4-volume encyclopedia will help you comprehend just that. It is very helpful.

 

 

 

More Background On The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History

"The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History," edited by Bonnie G. Smith, is a seminal work published in 2008 by Oxford University Press. This publication is noteworthy for its comprehensive examination of women's contributions and experiences throughout global history. The encyclopedia spans four volumes, featuring entries on a wide array of topics including biographies, cultural and societal comparisons, geography and history, movements and organizations, women's and gender studies, and significant events in world history. It emphasizes the impact of historical, social, and demographic changes on women and vice versa.

The encyclopedia stands out for its breadth and depth, covering over 1,300 articles that delve into the lives of women across different epochs and regions. Subjects range from encyclopedic entries on individual women to broader themes such as feminism, gender studies, and the role of women in various societal contexts. Each entry is accompanied by bibliographical references, enhancing its value as a resource for further study.

This work is distinguished by its global perspective, facilitated by contributions from a diverse group of scholars. It aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing a detailed overview of women's roles and experiences across the world, rather than focusing solely on the Western perspective. The encyclopedia has been praised for its ability to synthesize vast amounts of academic literature into clear, accessible language, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers.

Bonnie G. Smith, the editor, is a respected historian and professor, adding further credibility to the work. Her leadership in compiling this encyclopedia has contributed significantly to the field of women's studies, offering an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the comprehensive history of women's roles, contributions, and experiences throughout world history.

 

Popularity

The encyclopedia is considered a groundbreaking work for its comprehensive coverage of women's history across the globe and throughout different periods. Its reception in academic circles is notably positive, with scholars and educators recommending it as an essential resource for students and researchers interested in women's studies, history, and related fields. The work's inclusion in the reference collections of academic and large public libraries further attests to its value and popularity among a broad audience.

Additionally, the collaboration of over 900 contributors from around fifty countries underscores its global perspective and the wide-ranging academic support for the project. This extensive collaboration, combined with the positive reviews it has received, suggests a high level of esteem within the scholarly community.

While specific popularity metrics such as sales data, library circulation numbers, and citation counts would provide a more quantifiable measure, the qualitative indicators of its reception suggest "The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" is a highly regarded and widely utilized resource in its field.

 

History

"The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" is an ambitious scholarly endeavor that seeks to provide a comprehensive and global overview of women's roles and experiences throughout history. Edited by Bonnie G. Smith, a prominent historian and professor at Rutgers University, this four-volume work was published in 2008 by Oxford University Press. Its creation was motivated by a recognition of the significant gaps in the historical record regarding women's contributions, experiences, and influence.

Development and Scope

The development of the encyclopedia was influenced by several decades of growing academic interest in women's studies and the history of women. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, scholars acknowledged that women's roles and experiences were often underrepresented or misunderstood in traditional historical narratives. This realization led to an increase in research focused on uncovering and understanding women's lives, contributions, and the unique challenges they faced.

Bonnie G. Smith and the team of contributors aimed to address these gaps by compiling a resource that would span across cultures, continents, and centuries. The work includes over 1,250 entries that cover a wide range of topics, from biographies of notable women to thematic articles on issues like gender studies, women's movements, cultural practices, and the intersection of women's lives with major historical events and trends.

Contributions and Impact

The encyclopedia stands out for its global perspective, bolstered by contributions from approximately 900 scholars from around fifty countries. This international collaboration has ensured that the work reflects a wide range of cultural, social, and historical contexts, making it a unique and invaluable resource for understanding women's history on a global scale.

Since its publication, "The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" has been recognized as a vital reference work for students, researchers, and general readers interested in women's history. It has received accolades for its comprehensive coverage, scholarly rigor, and accessibility to a broad audience. The work has also been noted for its contribution to academic and public libraries' reference collections, where it serves as an essential resource for those seeking to learn about the diverse experiences and impacts of women throughout history.

Legacy

The encyclopedia has contributed significantly to the field of women's history by providing a resource that encourages a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of historical processes and events. Its publication reflects and contributes to the ongoing efforts to integrate women's experiences and contributions into the broader historical narrative, ensuring that women's roles in shaping the past are acknowledged and studied.

 

Awards

"The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History," edited by Bonnie G. Smith and published in 2008, has been recognized for its scholarly contribution to the field of women's studies and history. While specific award details for this encyclopedia might not be widely publicized, its selection as an Outstanding Reference Source by the American Library Association (ALA) in 2009 stands out as a notable accolade. This recognition is part of the ALA's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) awards, which identify outstanding reference publications for small and medium-sized libraries.

The ALA's award highlights the encyclopedia's comprehensive coverage, scholarly rigor, and its role in filling a significant gap in the available reference resources on women's history. The acknowledgment by such a prestigious association underscores the work's importance and utility in both academic and public library settings. It serves as a testament to the quality of its content and its significance as a resource for researchers, educators, students, and general readers interested in the historical contributions and experiences of women around the world.

Awards and recognitions like these not only celebrate the encyclopedia's excellence but also enhance its visibility and credibility, encouraging wider adoption and use in educational and research settings.

 

Known For

"The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" is known for several key attributes that make it a significant work in the field of historical and gender studies:

  1. Comprehensive Coverage: It offers extensive coverage of women's history across the globe, spanning various epochs and regions. With over 1,250 entries, the encyclopedia delves into the lives of notable women, movements, and thematic issues ranging from politics, religion, art, and science to gender roles and societal norms.

  2. Global Perspective: One of its standout features is the global perspective it provides on women's history. The work goes beyond the Western-centric view that has traditionally dominated history books, offering insights into the experiences of women in diverse cultures and societies.

  3. Interdisciplinary Approach: The encyclopedia integrates interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing on fields such as anthropology, sociology, political science, and cultural studies. This approach enriches the historical narrative, offering a multifaceted view of women's roles and contributions throughout history.

  4. Scholarly Rigor: Edited by Bonnie G. Smith, a renowned historian and scholar, and contributed to by around 900 experts from around fifty countries, the work is distinguished by its scholarly rigor. Each entry is meticulously researched and written, providing reliable and in-depth information.

  5. Accessibility: Despite its academic thoroughness, the encyclopedia is noted for its accessibility to a broad audience. Its clear and engaging writing style makes it a valuable resource not only for scholars and students but also for general readers interested in learning about women's history.

  6. Award-Winning: It has been recognized as an Outstanding Reference Source by the American Library Association, among other accolades. Such awards highlight the encyclopedia's quality and importance as a reference work in libraries and academic institutions.

  7. Educational Resource: The encyclopedia serves as an essential educational resource, widely used in academic settings for research and teaching in women's studies, history, and related disciplines. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of women's lives and their impact on global history.

  8. Contribution to Women's Studies: By filling a significant gap in historical knowledge, the encyclopedia has made a substantial contribution to women's studies. It has helped to foreground women's experiences and contributions in historical narratives, where they had been marginalized or overlooked.

"The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" is recognized as a landmark work that significantly contributes to the understanding and appreciation of women's roles in world history, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the field.

 

Cultural & Social Significance

"The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" holds profound cultural and social significance for several reasons, making it a pivotal resource in both academic and broader societal contexts:

Amplifying Women's Voices

The encyclopedia plays a critical role in amplifying women's voices, which have often been marginalized or overlooked in historical narratives. By providing comprehensive coverage of women's contributions, struggles, and achievements across various cultures and epochs, it helps to rectify historical omissions and biases, ensuring that women's roles in history are recognized and valued.

Fostering Global Understanding

With its global perspective, the encyclopedia fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural and social contexts in which women have lived and contributed to society. This inclusivity promotes cross-cultural awareness and appreciation, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences while celebrating the unique contributions of women from different backgrounds.

Educating and Inspiring

As an educational tool, the encyclopedia serves to inform and inspire readers about the significant impact women have had on the world's development. It provides valuable insights for students, researchers, and general readers, encouraging further exploration and study of women's history. By making this knowledge accessible, it inspires future generations to acknowledge and build upon the achievements of women throughout history.

Supporting Gender Equality

The publication of the encyclopedia contributes to ongoing discussions about gender equality and women's rights by providing historical context for these issues. Understanding the historical roles of women, along with the challenges they have faced and the barriers they have overcome, is essential for informed dialogue and action on gender equality.

Enhancing Academic Scholarship

The encyclopedia enhances academic scholarship by offering a rich source of information for researchers, scholars, and students across various disciplines. It supports interdisciplinary research and teaching, contributing to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of history that includes gender as a critical factor of analysis.

Changing Social Perceptions

By documenting and celebrating women's contributions to history, the encyclopedia plays a part in changing social perceptions about women's roles in society. It challenges stereotypes and assumptions, providing evidence of the diverse and significant ways in which women have shaped the world.

Building a Foundation for Future Research

Finally, "The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" lays a foundation for future research in women's history. By compiling existing knowledge and highlighting areas where information is lacking, it encourages scholars to delve deeper into unexplored aspects of women's historical experiences.

In summary, the cultural and social significance of "The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History" lies in its contribution to rectifying historical oversights, promoting gender equality, and enhancing our understanding of the diverse roles women have played throughout history. It stands as a testament to the importance of including women's perspectives in the historical record, enriching our collective knowledge and appreciation of the past.

 

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