A reference for scholars, students, and the general public on American folklore, which is defined here as North American folklore, including Canadian but excluding, except for a few general topics, the folklore of Native Americans (planned for coverage in its own encyclopedia). Some 500 articles encompass folk literature, music, and crafts of major and minor ethnic groups, urban and rural, traditional and contemporary traditions, as well as including entries for folklorists (those whose body of work is completed, i.e. nonliving), and scholarly terms and approaches. Some entries are brief descriptions; others are extensive essays. Each includes references and cross-references. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.