This reference presents short introductory essays to major periods of American music. It also lists 1200 entries on the lives and works of musicians and composers from each period.

This comprehensive encyclopedia gives an overview of the way music has developed, beginning with ancient civilizations through to the present day. The section on music-making shows how instruments, ensembles and orchestras evolved and all the elements that co-ordinate to make them function. The book then provides an illustrated guide to the most influential composers: those who have defined or developed particular styles of composition, and who have created for themselves a significant place in music history. Over 100 composers are featured, including the pre-eminent Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, other greats such as Vivaldi, Schubert and Tchaikovsky, and modern composers such as Carter, Boulez and Stockhausen.

With overview essays and more than 400 A-Z entries, this exhaustive encyclopedia documents the history of Asians in America from earliest contact to the present day. Organized topically by group, with an in-depth overview essay on each group, the encyclopedia examines the myriad ethnic groups and histories that make up the Asian American population in the United States. "Asian American History and Culture" covers the political, social, and cultural history of immigrants from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and their descendants, as well as the social and cultural issues faced by Asian American communities, families, and individuals in contemporary society. In addition to entries on various groups and cultures, the encyclopedia also includes articles on general topics such as parenting and child rearing, assimilation and acculturation, business, education, and literature. More than 100 images round out the set.

Full-color maps, photographs, and paintings illustrate a comprehensive reference guide to American history.

This comprehensive encyclopedia gives an overview of the way music has developed, beginning with ancient civilizations through to the present day. The section on music-making shows how different instruments, ensembles and orchestras evolved and all the different elements that co-ordinate to make them function. The book then looks at the greatest composers, exploring the lives and works of the people who shaped the fabulous repertoire of pieces that have brought joy, sadness, excitement and passion to millions of listeners for hundreds of years. Each family of instruments is discussed in detail: strings, woodwind and brass, percussion and keyboards, as well as a section on the voice. All the modern orchestral instruments and their relatives are covered, plus a range of more unusual instruments and non-Western examples. The book then provides an illustrated guide to the most influential composers, starting from medieval times: those who have defined or developed particular styles of composition, and who have created for themselves a significant place in music history. There are biographies covering the life and times of each composer, listing their most important works and placing them in their historical context. Over 100 composers are featured, including the pre-eminent Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, other greats such as Vivaldi, Schubert and Tchaikovsky, and modern composers such as Carter, Boulez and Stockhausen. Each entry is accompanied by a portrait or photograph, illustrations of the places where they lived, scenes from their ballets or operas, and examples of their original manuscripts. Comprehensively written and beautifully illustrated with over 1000 paintings, drawings and photographs, this is an indispensable reference for music lovers everywhere.