Gale Encyclopedia of US History 2 vols Government & Politics

Along with Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History: Government and Politics, this title comprises the Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History, a broad overview of U.S. history through 2007. Both titles contain approximately 400 entries, with an average of 1,000 words, and 300 to 350 images, including photos, illustrations, and maps. Each volume of each set contains the introduction, chronology, glossary, general bibliography, and set index. A brief bibliography of books, periodicals, and Web sites is at the end of each chapter. The two sets complement each other nicely as there is a significant amount of overlap of information. Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History: War contains 16 chapters. Each chapter, introduced by a brief overview of the war or conflict, covers the causes, major figures, and major battles and events of the war as well as the home front, the international context, and the aftermath. Volume 1 covers “Conflicts with the Northeastern Tribes (1621–1697)” through “World War I (1914–1919),” and volume 2 covers “World War II (1939–1945)” through the “War on Terrorism (2001–Present).” The final chapter covers relations with and operations in Africa, the Caribbean and Central and South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Both sets would be an excellent addition to high-school, college, and public libraries. If cost is a factor, however, either set would be a good purchase depending on the needs of the collection.