The McCarthy hearings

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-This slim volume does a good job of presenting both the facts and the tenor of the times. For instance, a chapter is devoted to William F. Buckley and L. Brent Bozell's defense (written in the early '50s) of McCarthy's often-ridiculed methods, and another to the exaggeration of his role in the "red scare," and there is even a chapter by McCarthy himself (defending his actions). And although the majority of the book, as one would expect, is decidedly in opposition to the McCarthy viewpoint, the editors find room in their introduction to state that in 1995, when the Verona Papers were declassified, they appeared to confirm some of McCarthy's suspicions. Because of the evenhanded presentation, the title makes a strong and lasting impression. The writings are well chosen, excerpted from books about either McCarthy or the era; there is also a four-page list of important figures and a two-page list for further research. A thoughtful and well-delineated addition.-Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.