Living Through The Red Scare

Children's Literature

Part of the "Living Through The Cold War" series, this text deals specifically with the Red Scare of 1947-1954 when Americans were warned against the presence of communists in various institutions, especially in Hollywood and in the universities. Readers are introduced to the House Select Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) and its investigations, as well as the figure of Joseph McCarthy. A collection of essays, the book presents voices from history and more contemporary examinations of the Red Scare. Thematic chapters explore aspects of the era as well as responses to it. Notable pieces include transcripts of Ronald Reagan's appearance before the HUAC, J. Edgar Hoover's vision of "Soviet America," and Henry Miller's essay on the relationship between the Red Scare and "The Crucible." Essays also explore the cultural consequences of the Red Scare, for example in education and television. Rich, readable and useful, this text is a fine and sophisticated introduction to an oft-ignored moment in American history. There is much to keep high school readers interested. 2006, Thomson Gale, Ages 13 to 18.
—Sarah Rachel Egelman

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-This book provides 12 primary- and secondary-source readings about the years from 1947 to 1954, which marked the beginning of the Cold War and the rise and fall of McCarthyism. The volume opens with readings from those who encouraged strong measures to combat communism, including actor Ronald Reagan, Senator Joseph McCarthy, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and Whittaker Chambers. The second chapter offers an opposing view with readings from those who believed that fear and repression of civil liberties were the greatest threats to America, including Hollywood screenwriter John Howard Lawson, Senator Margaret Chase Smith, and playwright Arthur Miller-his essay compares the McCarthy era to the Salem witch trials. The final section examines how the Red Scare affected American culture, with period excerpts from Life and Look magazines, and retrospective chapters about television and McCarthyism, and the effects of McCarthyism on American education. Back matter includes an extensive list of adult books, five films, and four Web sites. The selections accurately capture the fear and division of the era, but this title does not have the background and detail found in more general histories such as Geoffrey A. Campbell's The Homefront: The Cold War (Gale, 2002) or Karen Zeinert's McCarthy and the Fear of Communism in American History (Enslow, 1998). It should be considered as a companion to them.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.