The Encyclopedia of American Catholic History is the first work of its kind. It is a splendid and unique achievement created by hundreds of historians and writers who cooperated to narrate the saga of American Catholicism from 1492 to the present. In over 1,200 articles and in over a million words, they bring us a panoramic and extraordinary story that should give American Catholics an educated sense of their identity and their wonderful heritage. The Encyclopedia covers every facet of American Catholic history: the explorers: the pioneering Spanish, French, and English missionaries; the struggles of the colonial and revolutionary eras; the turbulent and transforming nineteenth century with its waves of immigrants; the industrial revolution; and the challenges and crises of this century down to our day. Moreoveit traces the roots and charts the growth of Catholicism in each of the fifty states. Above all, it brings us, in hundreds of memorable features, the men and women who gave much and did much to build the Church in America.
