Editing the 'Handbook of American Women's History': No Good Deed Goes Unpublished.

The "Handbook of American Women's History" (Garland, 1990) was compiled to cope with the lack of basic information about women's history. The successful launching of the handbook was the result of networking among Women's Studies colleagues. Colleagues and students joined in the project, not to gain fame and fortune, but to do a "good deed" for the academic community. This cooperation was indicative of a new climate: those in Women's Studies brought the processes of the women's movement, as well as the principles, to help identify and address the lack of presence of women and minorities in academe and in the disciplines. A point to be emphasized is that there now exists adequate support for such projects as the handbook, which has been well received and has brought profits to Garland Publishing and national recognition to both the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The success of the handbook is important because it has paved the way for other much-needed works that will increase the presence of women and minorities in academe, and is positive proof that such ideas can become viable projects which, in turn, result in significant contributions to women's studies and other fields. Perhaps the handbook is proof that no good deed goes unpunished or unpublished. Hopefully there will be more such works that result from the determination and dedication of women and men who are undeterred by the possible punishment that accompanies the task of the editor. Such "good deeds" must not go "unpublished." (PRA)