Defining Documents in American History: Postwar 1940s Review
A standard format allows the user of any one work to be familiar with the entire set. An “Editor’s Introduction” sets the scene by giving an objective overview of the period in question. Each chapter takes an in-depth look at a single speech, government report, legislative act, or other document, and uses this as a springboard to discuss not only the primary source itself, but also the social, cultural, and political ramifications.
A “Summary Overview” gives the researcher a snapshot of the contents of the document, while “Defining Moment” fleshes out the background that led up to its creation. This is followed by “Author Biography” (if appropriate, as some documents are created by committees or other groups, as opposed to an individual writer), “Document Analysis,” which is self-explanatory, and “Essential Themes,” which discusses the significance and historical import of the document. Lastly, a “Bibliography and Additional Reading” section lists resources helpful for further research. The core of each chapter, however, is a shaded box that contains the verbatim text of the primary source under examination. Shorter pieces appear in their entirety; more lengthy pieces are excerpted but can still run to several pages.
Editor Michael Shally-Jensen holds a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Princeton University. He has assembled a competent crew of academics whom likewise hold advanced degrees and that have contributed to the contents of this work.
As with previously published volumes in this series, Postwar 1940s is well written, exhibits solid scholarship, and presents an engaging read. As an understanding of our nation’s past is central to becoming a well-rounded citizen, this volume is strongly recommended for purchase by all public and academic libraries.”
—ARBA