The Transportation Experience in America
A Research Guide

Reference Materials

Caves, R.W. (Ed.) (2005). Encyclopedia of the city. New York: Routledge [WELLS – HT105.5 .E63 2005]

This topics covered in this encyclopedia are treated from a more modern than historical perspective. While the scope is not limited to American cities, many of the articles are relevant to American-focused study. Some of these articles include: “Transit-oriented development”, “Commuters”, “Sprawl” and “Urbanization.” A generous introductory essay sets the scholarly tone of the work, while offering a context within which to explore the detailed content within.

Goldfield, D.R. (Ed.) (2007). Encyclopedia of American urban history. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. [WELLS – HT123 .E49 2007 v.1-2]

This encyclopedia is somewhat less scholarly in tone than the Caves, and with more of an American focus. The breadth of articles included here is wide, with numerous articles on specific people and places, as well as abstract concepts. The most attractive feature of this reference work is the reader’s guide at the beginning. Included here are both an alphabetical table of contents of the articles, as well as a topical listing. A separate section on transportation lists over a dozen pertinent articles.

Richter, W.L. (1995). The ABC-CLIO companion to transportation in America. [ABC-CLIO companions to key issues in American history and life]. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO. [WELLS – HE203 .R54 1995]

This encyclopedia takes a historical approach to the topic, beginning with an essay that traces the role of transportation throughout American history. Most of the articles discuss specific people and places. Of particular interest here, however, are the articles on “Automobiles in American society” and “Roads and Highways.” The book also includes a chronology, an extensive bibliography and an index.