%% This is a multi-book review: SEE also the title Panama and the United States. %% Gr. 58. With an emphasis on the political issues and machinations involved, Lindop's straightforward account traces relationships between Panama and the U.S. from the building of the waterway to Panama's uneasy present. Lindop is especially good in sketching the modern-day history, particularly the actions of the ironfisted Gen. Omar Torrijos (though the author glosses over some of Torrijos' excesses) and the brutality of dictator Manuel Noriega, who today sits in a U.S. prison. The chapter notes and bibliography can lead to more informationMcNeese, on the other hand, focuses on the building of the canal, providing much more depth in his treatment of that era. As is usual for books in the Building History series, he looks not only at the actual construction but also at the social and political issues and the major achievements of individuals involved. Sidebars add interesting details, whether they be how racism was practiced, how food was provided for workers, or how the canal's locks work. The list of books for further reading is weak, but the works consulted will be helpful to researchers. Panama, like Hong Kong, is in the news as the date for a turnover of the operation of the canal fast approaches; these two books will work well in tandem or on their own for report writers looking for a timely topic. (Reviewed Aug. 1997)

The texts describe the history of these two monumental construction tasks. One- or two-page inserts within the chapters flesh out the texts with personal accounts and interesting facts. Though informative, the books are illustrated with drably reproduced black-and-white archival photographs and have a dull layout. Chronologies are included. Bib., ind.