%% This is a multi-book review: SEE also the title History of France through Art. %% Gr. 58. In the new History through Art series, the history of a country is told through 21 double-page spreads, each devoted to an important event or subject. Each spread includes a heading and a summary, followed by a few paragraphs discussing the event more thoroughly. There is at least one large illustration, with a caption clarifying elements of the artwork, the history, or both. The book on the U. S. features spreads on Paul Revere's ride, the Trail of Tears, and the Great Depression. Its illustrations are mostly paintings. A History of France reflects that country's extensive body of artwork, including everything from cave paintings to Renoir. Consequently its history is more condensed. Both books are clearly written, if bland, and their attractive formatting (each has a timeline, a glossary, and a reading list) makes them useful as introductions. (Reviewed March 1, 1996)

Each double-page spread presents a period in American history in a brief text accompanied by art, either from the era or depicting it. Some attempt is made to use the unique information contained in the art to inform the historical discussion. However, the use of works of art as illustration as if they were objective, journalistic photographs instead of individual artist's interpretations is problematic. Bib., glos., ind.

Gr 5-8-The purpose of these books is ambiguous; they are neither introductions to art, nor serious attempts to teach history. Powell relies almost entirely on standard political and military milestones, and the art she chooses includes a few lesser known or anonymous works along with many famous portraits and dramatic scenes. The layout, while attractive, presents three different threads to follow: introductory passages in bold print under each heading, several paragraphs of narrative text, and captions. The large, full-color reproductions force the narrative to be extremely brief, and some of the statements risk confusing readers not acquainted with French history. Van Zandt's volume is more successful, possibly because the span of time covered is only three centuries, and because the author has chosen to document eras and peoples rather than politics. The major wars are illustrated, but other pages feature the frontier, slavery, the Depression, the building of the railroads, and other decades of social history. While most of the paintings and photographs are not major works, they are appropriate, and the text flows smoothly. However, since the history component is hardly comprehensive enough for class reports, it seems that these books will languish on the shelves unless an occasional browser enjoys looking at the pictures. Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ