Starred Review Television has changed the way we experience events that will become important pieces of history. The Capture Television History 4D series (4 titles) explores this in both print books and a reality app, where kids can watch TV clips. That augmentation will no doubt expand the audience, but this title, about the Nixon-Kennedy debates, is excellent on its own. Author Burgan does a fine job of detailing how the debates came about, the controversy over Nixon's appearance in the first debate, and the often-forgotten following debates. But there is so much more. The history and expansion of presidential debates, the problems surrounding debates and FCC laws, and pivotal debate moments are all looked at with a keen eye. Sidebars offer space for sometimes surprising information r instance, the old saw about how people who listened to the debates preferred Nixon is analyzed and debunked. The oversize format and strong photo choices add to the book's considerable appeal.

This series examines television's impact on major events. Each volume opens with an engaging account of the main topic, grounding readers in the details. Kennedy-Nixon looks at the history of presidential debates, as well as what preceded and followed the first televised debate. Terrorism covers the ways in which Americans were riveted by nonstop news coverage of the 9/11 attacks, and the U.S.'s subsequent war on terrorism. The "4D" feature is an online video portal. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.