History Professor Edits Two Books on Asian American History and Culture

Huping Ling, professor of history, has edited two recently-published books.

“Asian American History and Cultures: An Encyclopedia,” is a two-volume set published by M.E. Sharpe, an award-winning publisher of reference books, textbooks, general interest books and journals.

With overview essays and more than 400 A-Z entries, this encyclopedia documents the history of Asians in America from earliest contact to the present day.

Organized topically by group, with an in-depth overview essay on each group, the encyclopedia examines the myriad ethnic groups and histories that make up the Asian American population in the United States.

“Asian American History and Culture” covers the political, social and cultural history of immigrants and their descendents from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as the social and cultural issues faced by Asian American communities, families and individuals in contemporary society.

In addition to entries on various groups and cultures, the encyclopedia also includes articles on general topics such as parenting and child rearing, assimilation and acculturation, business, education and literature.

Ling also edited “Asian America: Forming New Communities, Expanding Boundaries,” available through Rutgers University Press.

The last half-century witnessed a dramatic change in the geographic, ethnographic and socioeconomic structure of Asian American communities. While traditional enclaves were strengthened by waves of recent immigrants, Asian Americans also created new urban and suburban communities with or without geographical boundaries.

“Asian America” is the first comprehensive look at post-1960s Asian American communities in the United States and Canada. From Chinese Americans in the Chicago metropolitan area, to Vietnamese Americans in Orange County, this multidisciplinary collection spans a wide comparative and panoramic scope.

From Truman Today