Norman – Stephen H. Norwood, professor of history and Judaic studies at the University of Oklahoma, and his wife, Eunice G. Pollack, a professor of history and Jewish studies at the University of North Texas, have collaborated to publish what is being called the world’s most exhaustive collection of essays and articles on American Jewish history in their recent Encyclopedia of American Jewish History.

Printed by ABC-CLIO Publishers, the two-volume set covers the history of American Jews and their impact on the United States from their first arrival in 1654 to the present day.

“We [Pollack and Norwood] were always disturbed by the lack of attention accorded Jews in American history texts and courses.  We therefore decided that the encyclopedia would integrate Jewish history and American history, and that, unlike most encyclopedias, the articles would be in-depth and analytical,” said Norwood.

The encyclopedia, which took three and a half years to develop, includes 200 essays and articles from 125 scholars around the world to bring the most accurate information and current understanding of issues to a wide readership, according to Norwood.

“The encyclopedia is addressed to all levels of readers, and should be accessible to everyone,” adds Norwood.  “Unlike most other encyclopedias, we organized this work topically instead of alphabetically, so readers could readily explore any subject that interests them. It is illustrated with historical maps by Sir Martin Gilbert, best known as Winston Churchill’s official biographer, and numerous photographs, making it very reader-friendly.”

In addition to addressing such topics as anti-Semitism; Zionism; religion; the Holocaust and Holocaust survivors; and Jews and politics; the volumes include large sections on American Jews and literature, art, music, sports, entertainment and popular culture.