Folklife is the study of tradition, of what carries forward through time, providing continuity and identity with a place or an activity. This collection of articles is intended to provide a forum for the discussion of theories and procedures of folklife study and to demonstrate both the variety of folklife communities and the unexpected similarities displayed by seemingly disparate groups or situations. "Breakdancing" (S. Banes) traces the phenomenon of breakdancing from its origins on the streets of New York City in the early 1980s where it served as a nonviolent form of competition between gangs, or "crews," of youngsters through its transformation into a theatrical event. "Among the Qeros" (J. Cohen) details the return visit of a filmmaker to a remote region in the Andes of Peru and the changes he found there after only six months. "'Bleows'": The Whaling Complex in Bequia" (H. P. Beck) describes 19th century whaling customs still practiced on the island of Beguia in the Lesser Antilles. "The Kalevala: 150 Years, 1835-1985" (E. Brodunas) introduces this Finnish folk epic. "The Kalevala Process" (L. Honko) discusses the history of the epic, and "Partial Repentance of a Critic: The Kalavala, Politics, and the United States" (W. A. Wilson) is a critic's reassessment of The Kalevala. "Immigrant to Ethnic" (Y. H. Lockwood) has to do with the symbols of identity among Finnish Americans. "Minnesota Logging Camp, September 1937" (R. Lee) is a photographic essay. "Via Dolorosa" (A. Asplund) is the life story of a Finnish immigrant to the United States, and "Symposium on the Life Story" (E. D. Ives, et al.) provides commentary on the preceding article. Many black and white and color photographs are included. (JB)

American folklife is steeped in world cultures, or invented as new culture, always evolving, yet often practiced as it was created many years or even centuries ago. This fascinating encyclopedia explores the rich and varied cultural traditions of folklife in America - from barn raisings to the Internet, tattoos, and Zydeco - through expressions that include ritual, custom, crafts, architecture, food, clothing, and art. Featuring more than 350 A-Z entries, "Encyclopedia of American Folklife" is wide-ranging and inclusive. Entries cover major cities and urban centers; new and established immigrant groups as well as native Americans; American territories, such as Guam and Samoa; major issues, such as education and intellectual property; and expressions of material culture, such as homes, dress, food, and crafts. This encyclopedia covers notable folklife areas as well as general regional categories. It addresses religious groups (reflecting diversity within groups such as the Amish and the Jews), age groups (both old age and youth gangs), and contemporary folk groups (skateboarders and psychobillies) - placing all of them in the vivid tapestry of folklife in America. In addition, this resource offers useful insights on folklife concepts through entries such as "community and group" and "tradition and culture." The set also features complete indexes in each volume, as well as a bibliography for further research.

Contains over 500 articles Ranging over foodways and folksongs, quiltmaking and computer lore, Pecos Bill, Butch Cassidy, and Elvis sightings, more than 500 articles spotlight folk literature, music, and crafts; sports and holidays; tall tales and legendary figures; genres and forms; scholarly approaches and theories; regions and ethnic groups; performers and collectors; writers and scholars; religious beliefs and practices. The alphabetically arranged entries vary from concise definitions to detailed surveys, each accompanied by a brief, up-to-date bibliography. Special features *More than 2000 contributors *Over 500 articles spotlight folk literature, music, crafts, and more *Alphabetically arranged *Entries accompanied by up-to-date bibliographies *Edited by America's best-known folklore authority