In his introduction to this two-volume reference editor De La Torre (social ethics, Iliff School of Theology, Denver) emphasizes the multifaceted composition of what Euro-Americans might consider, erroneously, a monolithic group. He also emphasizes that this reference represents the combined efforts of a diverse group of scholars of religion and of Hispanic Americans in the United States. To give an idea of the range of topics addressed in the 100 tautly written, yet accessible, signed entries (each about three or four pages long, with references and further reading lists), here's a sampling of topics: aesthetics, assimilation, curanderismo, environmentalism, Islam, Jews, justice, language, mission system, reconquista, sexuality, spiritual hybridity, transnationalism, US political parties, and Virgin Mary. Eighteen extended essays address topics that include liberation theology, liturgy and worship, sacraments and sacramentals, spirituality, and teologia en conjunto. Thoughtfully prepared, carefully indexed, this reference will serve a wide audience of scholars, professionals, and students within the Hispanic American community and the broader community as well. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)