The encyclopedia set
Violence in America: An Encyclopedia (Three Volume Set)
, by Ronald Gottesman, provides excellent coverage of the subjects of the history of violence, violence in the media and sports violence, as it applies to the United States. It is worth having in the public library or your personal reference library.
Violence in America provides excellent coverage of the subject of violence from every angle. America was founded on violence and war, from the Revolutionary war, and even from the time of the Pilgrims. Our recreation has come to be violent, our sports and hobbies, whether it be pro-football, pro-hockey, or violent video games. This provides thorough coverage of the subject, and there are references in here that it might be difficult to find elsewhere. This is a good set for every library and every scholarly library.
The violence of pro-football is evident and is one aspect of violence in America that this encyclopedia set considers. Ken Hamlin is described as one of the hardest hitters in the NFL - (photo not from book)- Source:
Real GM Football Forum
As examples of the coverage of sports in this set, typically, sports such as boxing and football are considered to be "inherently violent" in this reference work and many others. Professional hockey is also listed as a violent sport as it is played in the NHL. Hunting as sport is also listed among sports "inherently violent". The violence of baseball is also considered in this volume, as being a sport, not inherently violent, but that the violence is often among players in the form of fights and brawls, as well as in the stands among fans. (The book The Psychology of Baseball by Mike Stadler, in contrast, discusses the act of pitching as a violent act, capable of spontaneously rupturing the spine, as has taken place with 19 pitchers in Major League Baseball history).
The Library Journal states concerning Violence in America, "This three-volume set on the social, historical, biological, and cultural aspects of violence in the United States offers 600 entries on topics ranging from violence, homicide, and race and ethnicity to women, child abuse, labor and unions, sociobiology, "ultimate fighting," television, gun violence, and various events and persons. Gottesman (English, Univ. of Southern California) and Brown (history, Univ. of Oregon) define violence not only as "physical, emotional, or psychological" injury but also as the threat of injury to individuals, animals, property, or environment. Ranging from 500 to 5000 words, the signed entries are by academics in criminal justice, history, psychology, sociology, and English, among other disciplines.
This is a very nicely done encyclopedia with a carefully constructed index, bibliographies, some 350 photographs, and useful appendixes. The well-written and informative entries are an excellent starting point for high school and college research projects. Though it overlaps considerably with Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace and Conflict (Academic Pr., 1999), that work focuses somewhat more on war and international issues and is for a strictly academic audience. Violence in America is highly recommended for academic, high school, and public libraries." ---Mary Jane Brustman, Univ. at Albany Libs. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Violence in its many forms does affect mental health and can contribute to depression and suicidal ideation for some.
|
|
