Sunday, March 30, 2008

Open for business

This blog is the internet center for an ongoing historical project: The Encyclopedia of Slavery in the Americas, (New York: Facts on File, 2009, forthcoming), edited by Edward E. Baptist. Here you will find information about the encyclopedia and how to contribute articles.

Let's start with the basics. What is the encyclopedia? Well, Facts on File has commissioned me to edit a three-volume encyclopedia on the history of slavery in the Americas. I have assigned about 300 articles, but at least 150 remain to be written. They cover all aspects of slavery and emancipation in the Americas, from South America to North America, and from the 15th century to the 20th.

Who can write for the encyclopedia? I am seeking authors who can write with some authority for an audience of undergraduates, lay historians, and professional historians. There is no specific set of credentials that is required. although of course professional historians and history graduate students are often very well-prepared for this kind of writing.

How does one contribute? Just send an email to me at eeb36@cornell.edu, and we'll start the process of figuring out what entries might be of particular interest to you, assigning a due date, and setting a compensation level. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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