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<i>The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky</i> (review)

2011; Kent State University; Volume: 118; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1353/ohh.2011.0010

1934-6042

Shirley Stewart Burns,

Linguistic and Cultural Studies

Reviewed by: The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky Shirley Stewart Burns The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky. Edited by Paul A. Tenkotte and James C. Claypool. (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2009, 1072 pp. Cloth $49.95, ISBN 978-0-8131-2565-7.) With the recent onslaught of encyclopedic volumes, including the Kentucky Encyclopedia, a question becomes obvious: Does a region within a state really merit its own encyclopedia? The editors of The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky clearly believe it does, and they use 1,072 pages with more than 2,100 entries to substantiate their case. The book is edited by a myriad of experts in numerous topics. The lead editors have done a commendable job by obtaining some of the leading scholars in their respective fields to edit the various topics. The book itself is easy to use. It is arranged alphabetically, and each entry includes at least one citation for additional information. It also includes a very useful “Guide for Readers,” which clearly explains how to most effectively use the encyclopedia as well as instructive information regarding why certain entries appear, or do not appear, in the book. Other encyclopedias would do well to replicate this valuable tool. The region of northern Kentucky has long played an important role in the overall development of America. Some would argue that the modern American psyche was born along the banks of the Ohio, and one would but have to read a small portion of this volume to realize the credence to this argument. The impressive historical components of this comprehensive work range from renowned frontiersman Simon Kenton (503–4) to perhaps one of the most influential yet least known figures of the region in the entry on Little Turtle, Chief of the Miami Nation (558) to separate entries on the famed Clooney clan—George, his father Nick and aunt Rosemary (202–4). This volume truly does contain something of interest for everyone. The book also includes interesting entries on topics that many might not associate with the area. One of the more interesting pieces is the lengthy entry on gypsies (427–28), who still migrate to the area yearly and even inter their loved ones in a local cemetery. The volume even includes an entry on Appalachians (33–35), even though the eleven counties of northern Kentucky [End Page 146] are not considered Appalachian. Another interesting and informative entry is the one on agriculture (12–15). While agriculture has historically been an important component of this vibrant region, frequently its importance is overshadowed by the urban influences in this region. The excellent entry on agriculture, however, examines the loss of farmland in northern Kentucky to this urban sprawl. This entry includes shocking statistics for the loss of farmland to development in some northern Kentucky counties. Industry, politics, entertainment, literature, history, and more can be explored in this thorough text. The book’s expert compilation details the rich historical and unique cultural heritage of the land and people resting along or near the southern shore of the Ohio River. After a seemingly decades-long identity crisis, this region appears to have successfully transformed itself during a regional renaissance, and this volume substantially underscores the pride and perseverance of a determined populace. This book has been dubbed “Everything you want to know about Northern Kentucky.” Indeed, it provides that as well as interesting tidbits that you never knew you wanted to know until you read them. Those involved obviously have a deep and abiding respect and admiration for the region, and the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the text attests to this fact. Some may consider the sheer girth of this book as a drawback; however, the size of the volume is appropriate considering the rich, vibrant area it is documenting. It is an excellent reference source and is recommended for anyone interested in the northern Kentucky region. [End Page 147] Shirley Stewart Burns Charleston, West Virginia Copyright © 2011 The Kent State University Press