For a full list of entries, contributors, and more, visit the Encyclopedia of American Folk Art web site.
This is the first comprehensive, scholarly study of a most fascinating aspect of American history and culture. Generously illustrated with both black and white and full-color photos, this A-Z encyclopedia covers every aspect of American folk art, encompassing not only painting, but also sculpture, basketry, ceramics, quilts, furniture, toys, beadwork, and more, including both famous and lesser-known genres.
Containing more than 600 articles, this unique reference considers individual artists, schools, artistic, ethnic, and religious traditions, and heroes who have inspired folk art. An incomparable resource for general readers, students, and specialists, it will become essential for anyone researching American art, culture, and social history.
Biography
Dr. Gerard C. Wertkin is Director of the American Folk Art Museum in New York. He is the Co-author of Light of the Spirit: Portraits of Southern Outsider Artists and The Jewish Heritage in American Folk Art.
"A welcome addition to an area of art that is becoming increasingly important to American artistic culture. Highly recommended. Academic and public libraries and individuals interested in American folk art." -- Choice
"This unique and highly useful reference tool is essential for all art libraries. It is not only crammed with information but also easy to use, fun to browse through, and totally up to the minute... Full color inserts and 100 black-and-white photos enhance an already admirable work. Highly recommended." -- Library Journal (starred review)
"The best guide available on American folk art." -- Library Journal (starred review)
"Useful to collectors, students, scholars, and experts. It is an excellent value for the cost and a recommended purchase for academic and large public libraries." -- Booklist/RBB
"The index to this volume, one of its strongest points, is indespensible... Recommended for academic and public libraries." -- Reference & User Services Quarterly
"grounded in expertise and serious scholarship... Helpful introduction sets the tone blending historical perspective with interesting commentary... The articles are uniformly well researched and written in a clear and informative style... A must purchase for any library, academic or public, with an interest in collecting in this area." -- Against the Grain
"A representative but detailed sample of American folk art spanning three centuries... Four generous sections of excellent color plates represent a varied selection of folk arts." -- Art Book News Annual
"Some notable entries, perhaps because they are exceptional in the scope, that treat often underappreciated material in the folk art canon appear... This reference will be especially useful for documenting artists' biographies, genres, and institutional profiles... It is well indexed to help users." -- American Reference Books Annual
