I invite scholars to write entries for an encyclopedia I am editing, Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763). It is the second of a 10-volume encyclopedia of American history. Gary Nash is the series editor, and Facts on File is the publisher.

Of the original 500 terms, approximately 100 still need to be defined. At 2.5 cents per word, the pay is unfortunately very modest, for which I apologize. But it is a chance to pollute, er, shape young minds of the future (like my 9-yr-old daughter, Sage). And it also can help build a vita since the author's name will appear at the end of her/his entry as well as in a List of Contributors.

I would prefer to have authors complete their entries by June 1, although a Summer deadline would also be possible if necessary to fit your schedule. I expect to finish project by the end of this year, meaning that the volume should appear in a timely fashion, both in print and on the internet.

If you are interested, please contact me at bgs@montana.edu and I will email you a file with the terms. Also, please attach a file with a brief vita and/or explain a bit about your qualifications in your email.

A brief description of the volume: Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763) defines the most important events, people, and forces in America between the time of the first English efforts at colonization in Roanoke and the conclusion of the Seven Years' War in which Great Britain became the dominant European power in North America. This encyclopedia reflects the major trends in historical interpretation during the past few decades in that it focuses not only on rich and politically powerful Americans but also on poorer whites, immigrants, women, Native Americans, African Americans, and the French and Spanish colonies. Thus, Benjamin Franklin,John Smith, and John Winthrop are included in addition to the Seminole Indians, Olaudah Equiano, Hannah Duston, and Spanish, French, and Russian explorers and settlers. Short histories of each of the original thirteen colonies will be incorporated, and broader terms like poverty, art, gender, race, and science will be defined. The series is designed primarily for use by college and advanced high school students. It will be made available in libraries as well as on the Internet.

Please let me know if you have any questions (or jokes; humor is always lacking in encyclopedias). I hope you decide to participate in this project.

Happy trails and be to good to your horse.

Your Humble Servant,

Billy G. Smith
Professor of History
Dept. of History & Philosophy
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717