Encyclopedia of the Great Depression

2004 - Booklist Editor's Choice Reference Title

2004 - CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title

2004 - New York Public Library Best Reference

"This work will make an ideal companion volume for libraries that already own James Climent\'s more thematic Encyclopedia of the Great Depression and the New Deal, and it will serve as a welcome addition to any undergraduate, high school, or public library collection."

"The editor has assembled an impressive panel of 271 contributors, mostly associated with universities in the United States and Europe, and including such noted scholars as Robert Ferrell, Sidney Fine, David Nasaw, and Herbert Parmet. The straightforward text should be manageable for high school juniors and seniors. Entries end with brief bibliographies, along with appropriate \'see also\' references...The biographical essays tend to be impressionistic and often contain interesting insights-the profile of Al Capone, for instance, compares his organizational techniques in the realm of crime with the market management methods used by the Rockefellers in the petroleum business.\n\tThe 305 black-and-white photographs that illustrate the text have been printed with crispness, making them an especially valuable addition. A timeline and an in-depth index complete the work. This set, also available in a electronic edition, is recommended for most libraries."

"Encyclopedia of the Great Depression is an attractive and accessible resource that will be a valuable addition to most high school, college, and public library collections. "

"This comprehensive, accessible set will serve as a useful supplement for research... a worthy resource. "

"A natural companion to James Climents more thematically structured Encyclopedia of the Great Depression and the New Deal, this ambitious work contains 542 alphabetically arranged articles covering subjects like politics, literature, sports, law, science, industry, economics, religion, and art. Accompanied by some 300 to 5000 words in length and include spare bibliographies. An A-to-Z list of articles, a listing of the 270 specialists with their academic postings together with their contribution, and a summary of essay titles under broad topical headers all precede the main body of the book. McElvaine (The Great Depression: America 1929-1941) provides an interesting array of biographical sketches throughout, profiling such figures as Al Capone, Walt Disney, Amelia Earhart, Woody Guthrie, Joe Louis, Paul Robeson, and scores of others. The work\'s strength centers on social history and gender/race-related issues. As with all edited works, there are a few examples of overlap and unevenness. In the contents outline, the editors include a general category for the Left, but nothing for the Right. Bottom Line: Despite its flaws, this work is essential for all high school, college, and public libraries because of its impressive scope."

"Recommended."

"The Encyclopedia of the Great Depression effectively examines diverse topics significant to a vital historical topic. It is an excellent resource for students and general readers and is suitable for academic and large public libraries. "

"Useful as a resource for high school and beginning undergraduate students, this two-volume reference focuses on issues in political science, economics, arts and literature, agriculture, and the environment during the Great Depression, mainly, but not exclusively, in the US. B&w illustrations support the text, which was written by academics, mainly at American universities.\n"