Quotes, anecdotes, and historical tidbits (origin of the rebel yell) enliven the discussion of states' rights, slavery, and the preservation of the Union in these Civil War primers. Maps, sidebars, and color and black-and-white illustrations adorn sepia pages. Lincoln includes a facsimile (too small to be read) of the Emancipation Proclamation, and illustrations in this volume are particularly grainy. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Gr 4-6-The Battle of Gettysburg was arguably the turning point of the Civil War. In this workmanlike title, the reasons for this are made clear. In brief chapters, the author gives background information and relatively detailed, blow-by-blow accounts of troop movements and engagements for the first two days of the battle. Pickett's Charge receives a chapter of its own. Two final chapters cover the aftermath and the Gettysburg Address. The account of the mass burials on the fields of combat is particularly affecting and will do much to bring home to students the magnitude of the lives lost. As well, discussion of Edward Everett's two-hour address vis- -vis Lincoln's two-minute speech will serve to acquaint students with the fact that true rhetoric is not always recognized when it is first heard. Appropriately placed period reproductions and photos extend the text, and the maps and battle plans are helpful in clarifying troop movements. This attractively designed book gives enough information for reports but is unlikely to be picked up for general-interest reading. A sound addition where books on the Civil War are in demand.-Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.