The Penguin Atlas of Diasporas
The diaspora or dispersion of a people from their native land has been a phenomenon since the beginning of recorded history. In their introduction to this beautifully illustrated survey of major dispersions, two French historians establish their criteria for a diaspora: the forced dispersion of a religious and/or ethnic group, the memory of the group in transmitting historical facts and cultural heritage, the will to survive through transmission of this heritage, and dispersion over a long time period.The diasporas described in separate chapters are Jewish (one-third of the book), Armenian, Gypsy, African, Chinese, Indian, Irish, Greek, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Vietnamese and Korean. Each dispersion is described objectively from the beginnings of the group's movement to the situation today. Clearly drawn colored and coded maps trace each group's movement across continents and over oceans and show the areas where they settled. Scale is not noted on maps, but this is unnecessary in conveying the sense of the dispersion. When appropriate, chronologically arranged tables, population charts, pictorial illustrations, or pertinent quotations are included. Some of the chapters have only one to two pages of text, but the maps and illustrations complete our understanding. Some facts are footnoted, and sources of quotations are cited.The Penguin Atlas of Diasporaswill be a welcome addition to school, public, and undergraduate libraries. More detailed information on each group is available in other works, but this attractive atlas will provide a clear and accurate overview for students and general users.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.