Reviews
"The most comprehensive work of its kind yet published.... Approximately 700 entries cover individuals (e.g., Bernard Baruch, H.L. Mencken), political groups (e.g., American Liberty League, Jobless Party), agencies (e.g., Central Statistical Board, Works Project Administration), legislation (e.g., Beer Tax Act, Hatch Acts), and miscellaneous topics ('Greenbelt towns,' 'Happy Days Are Here Again'). Essays are clear and concise, ranging from approximately one-half to two pages in length. The editor has concentrated on events, policies, and personalities effecting domestic policy between 1933 and 1940; foreign policy matters are mentioned only if directly related to the national interest. Articles were contributed by 50 scholars, although many of the entries have been written by the editor himself. Entries are arranged alphabetically and are liberally cross-referenced. Brief bibliographical citations are included at the end of each entry. Four appendixes cover various aspects of the New Deal; a selected bibliography of specific programs; a listing, by agency, of New Deal personnel; and a list of agency acronyms. For all academic reference collections, large and small." Choice, "This useful reference work consists of approximately 700 alphabetically arranged entries on people, laws, agencies, court decisions, political groups, and related topics involving the New Deal era, 1933-40. More than two-thirds of the sketches were written by the editor ... the remainder were contributed by equally qualified scholars. About one-half of the entries are biographical and, like the other entries, vary in length from a single paragraph to several pages, according to the relevance and importance of the subject. Coverage is so thorough that some entries appear to bear only a peripheral relationship to the New Deal.... Sketches are objective, concise, and based on sound scholarship. Each contains at least one bibliographic reference--if only a New York Times obituary notice. Cross-references are indicated by the use of asterisks within the articles. There are several valuable appendixes: a chronology of the period, an extensive bibliography of books and periodical articles arranged by subject, a list of important agencies and their key personnel, and a table of New Deal acronyms. This volume will be useful an all types of libraries from high school up where material on this historical period is needed." Reference Books Bulletin
