American History

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Choosing from entries in the Dictionary of American History (1977) and its 1996 Supplement (both Scribners), Carnes has selected those articles most relevant to the issues and concepts that have shaped our country's history. Consisting of more than 1000 well-written, signed essays, this compilation retains the alphabetical arrangement, chronological depth, and internal cross-references that are featured in its predecessors. Captioned black-and-white photographs and reproductions appear throughout. Like the original set, this resource does not include biographies but the names of prominent individuals are indexed. Unfortunately, the indexing presents some problems. There are occasional typographical errors; more troubling are the indexing choices that will impede access to articles. For example, while the Dictionary of American History index has an extensive entry for the "Depression," the term is absent here. Information on this topic falls under "Panic," a term that most students won't think to look under. In addition, see-also references are not included. Aside from these problems, this volume will be a welcome addition to all libraries, especially those that do not own the Dictionary of American History.-Angela L. Bonnell, Milner Library, Normal, IL Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Detailed entries on essential facts, events, places, and concepts that have shaped American history since pre-Columbian times offer an overview of the American experience. Entries are extracted from Charles Scribner's Sons' Dictionary of American History and its Supplement. This volume is an affordable alternative to the eight- volume source encyclopedia. Articles are presented in their entirety, with complete bibliographies. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.