Imperialism and Expansionism in American History

July 1, 2016

Using a broad and multidisciplinary approach, Magoc (history, Mercyhurst Coll., PA; So Glorious a Landscape: Nature and the Environment in American History and Culture) and Bernstein (history, Denison Univ., OH) chronicle the historical roots of America's growth from colony to global power. Their set of 650 entries is framed chronologically into four volumes and is further divided by themes and sections that encompass the major periods of American continental and overseas expansionist history. Coverage begins with the Seven Years' War in the 18th century and concludes with the current War on Terror. Countries, key episodes, important policies and acts, and major biographical figures from statesmen to military leaders make up the bulk of topics. Entries are signed with "see also" references and sources for further reading. Extensive primary sources, illustrations, maps, and sidebars contribute to the comprehensiveness and quality of the work. In particular, the discussion of cultural elements such as articles about Hollywood Westerns in the Cold War and protest music during the Vietnam War enlivens the presentation and provides a distinct perspective on familiar topics. The nearly 200 scholars who contributed to the work write incisively and succinctly. This excellent set offers balanced and informed viewpoints on American expansionism and its current position as a dominant world presence. VERDICT Upon using this resource, readers and researchers of all levels, including students and nonspecialists, will be much better informed about this critically important subject.--Rob Tench, Old Dominion Univ. Lib., Norfolk, VA

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2016
This encyclopedia offers a new perspective in American history focusing on imperialism and expansion from the colonial era to modern times. In addition to expertly written entries that are organized into historical sections, each volume contains a table of contents, a chronology of the time period, a glossary, a bibliography, and a comprehensive index of the entire set. The editors have successfully compiled well-documented entries, each of which offers an introduction to the subject, other entries of interest, and a bibliography for further reading. Contributors have written unbiased entries that include illustrations and photographs, maps, data, and references to primary sources to build a broad understanding of each topic. Entries focus on conflicts, countries, doctrines, legislation, organizations, people, and policies. Volume 1 covers the Seven Years' War to the annexation of Hawaii; volume 2 discusses the Northwest Indian Wars to the Battle of Wounded Knee; volume 3 has entries from the Spanish-America War to WWII; and volume 4 offers information about the Cold War to the war on terror. Each volume is organized into chronological sections with alphabetical entries. Each section contains primary documents, such as correspondence, court and legal documents, government records, and speeches, that have influenced American history. This thoroughly documented and well-written encyclopedic set is recommended for all audiences and would be especially useful in public and academic libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)