A monumental look at U.S. popular culture compiled by two scholars who helped to establish the field of study has just been published by the Bowling Green Popular Press.

Co-editors Ray B. Browne, Distinguished University Professor emeritus of popular culture, and Pat Browne, who are married, spent the last seven years working on the new Guide to United States Popular Culture.

The 1,010-page compendium may become the definitive reference book in the field for scholars. It also is bound to catch the attention of more than a few of us who are simply intrigued by the diversity and richness of a culture fed by so many kinds of media.

Reviewer Timothy E. Scheurer, president of the American Culture Association, describes the book as "an almost indispensable source for humanities and popular scholars and enthusiasts alike."

Entries from A to Z offer concise information on the patchwork that is the fabric of modern day American life. The nearly 1,600 articles include entries on Bob Hope, postcards, and "60 Minutes," which has, according to the citation, more top 10 finishes in the Nielson ratings that "I Love Lucy." Other sections look at American magazines, adventure fiction, and how advertising relates to popular culture.

To compile the massive reference work, the Brownes worked with a team of six advisory editors, one each for literature, the arts, sports, electronic media, material culture, and heroes, rituals, religions and outdoor entertainment.

There also was a group of 15 section editors. These editors focused on sub-categories, such as film, television, tabloids, radio, nature writing, children’s literature, nonfiction genres, sports literature, mystery and detective fiction, and music.

In all, about 500 scholars wrote entries for the volume.

"We tried to define the parameter of what should be studied as popular culture and to describe the forces that run through U. S. popular culture while at the same time provide a concise guide with definitions," explained Ray B. Browne.

The Brownes were closely examining the threads of popular culture for more than a quarter of a century before they embarked on creating The Guide to United States Popular Culture.

The 79-year-old Ray B. Browne is widely credited with coining the term "popular culture" in the 1960s. A folklorist, he has written or edited more than 70 books on literature and popular culture, and is a founder of BGSU’s internationally known Department of Popular Culture as well as its Popular Culture Library.

Pat Browne is director of the Bowling Green Popular Press, an independent publishing company that was established in 1970 at the University. The press publishes approximately two dozen new titles annually. She also is editor of the journal "Clues," which is devoted to detective fiction.

Together their credits also include helping to establish both the Popular Culture Association and the American Culture Association.

"The Guide to United States Popular Culture" book is now available for purchase through the Bowling Green Popular Press. For more information about the book or to order a copy, phone 2-7865.