The Spanish-American War

Series authors Kevin Hillstrom (McCarthyism and the Communist Threat) and Laurie Collier Hillstrom (American Indian Removal and the Trail to Wounded Knee) divide this volume into three sections. In "Narrative," they present an overview of the war; "Biographies" discusses the major players of the conflict and offers a further-reading list; and "Primary Sources," the longest section of the book, provides "essential" documents such as period speeches, letters, and editorials. Also included is a list of research topics (e.g., yellow journalism, America's territorial expansion) for term papers and one of people, places, and terminology; a chronology dating from Columbus's arrival in the New World through the rise of Communism in Cuba; a glossary; a short bibliography; and websites for further research. It should be noted that, as the authors state, the text contains "quoted material containing racial epithets and offensive language." BOTTOM LINE This thorough and factual resource is a good jumping-off point for high school students and will also provide an undemanding read for adult users interested in this period.—Beth Bland, Milwaukee