Weapons of Mass Destruction

First Kort (social science, Boston Univ.) explores the history of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) from historical crude biological weapons to modern devices. A general overview is followed by an analysis of the United States' weapons development, the evolution and implementation of WMD limitations treaties, and the steps that have been taken to halt, reduce, or limit the making and use of these weapons. A history and analysis of other countries' WMD programs concludes the section. Part 2, which focuses on primary sources, contains selected documents dealing with weapons development and deployment, initially in the United States, followed by international treaties governing WMD. Part 3 begins with a chapter discussing how to research information on WMD and covers the benefits and drawbacks of many research tools. Other parts present charts, maps, and graphs that depict countries that own WMD and the quantity, their locations, and how long the countries have had them. Also included are brief biographies of select people involved in creating or implementing weapons and background on organizations that investigate or publish information about weapons. A minor drawback is the abundance of acronyms; while defined at the beginning of the book, the presence of so many of them can be a little confusing. BOTTOM LINE A useful resource for college and high school students beginning research on the subject of WMD. Purchase if your budget allows.—James Langan, Univ. of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Lib.