Written by a history professor at the University of Tennessee, American Social Leaders and Activists includes biographies of more than 285 people who have attempted to change the norms of their society. Most of the alphabetical entries are one or two pages in length, with those for well-known individuals ranging four to five pages in length. Fifty-five of the entries include a black-and-white picture, and each entry ends with a three- to five-title Further Reading section. In addition to a general index, entries are also indexed by activity and decade of birth.Social reformers from colonial times to the present from a variety of fields are included. The author has selected well-known and lesser-known individuals from both ends of the spectrum (and places in between). Abbie Hoffman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Gloria Steinem are here, as are Rush Limbaugh, Phyllis Schlafly, and Randall Terry (founder of Operation Rescue). Several Latino and Native American activists are included (two groups that are often overlooked). Individuals whose social reform activities are often overshadowed by other accomplishments are also covered (e.g., Dr. Spock and Joan Baez). Perhaps most interesting is the inclusion of David Duke, supporting the author's desire to include those people I consider to be the most prominent, most controversial or interesting.American Social Leaders and Activists is a fine book. When compared to similar sources--American Social Leaders (ABC-CLIO, 1993) and American Reform and Reformers: A Biographical Dictionary (Greenwood, 1996)--it is superior. American Social Leaders does have more entries, but it is nearly 10 years old and does not include as many biographies on those still living. American Reform and Reformers has longer entries but only covers about 50 individuals, all of whom are well known. The current title is a recommended purchase for high-school, public, and academic libraries.

Gr 9 Up-Each of these biographical dictionaries profiles more than 250 notable individuals. In Social Leaders, readers will find reformers and activists, including individuals whose thinking on issues would be clearly in opposition (e.g., Martin Luther King, Jr., David Duke, Phyllis Schlafly, and Angela Davis) and there are individuals representing Chicano, American Indian, and Puerto Rican rights. Hamilton's presentation is objective and engaging, alternating facts and personal information with quotes and public perception. Political Leaders contains all U.S. presidents and several vice presidents as well as some governors, senators, cabinet members, diplomats, Supreme Court Justices, first ladies, and others whose service has had a significant political impact. Early patriot Samuel Adams is found here as is newcomer Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Hispanic woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. While Wilson doesn't include much personal information, scandals that have affected political careers are mentioned. Social Leaders includes a list of entries by "Area of Activity," and one of "Offices Held or Sought" can be found in Political Leaders. Listings of "Year of Birth" appear in both titles (which will be useful for studying a specific time period). These volumes are up-to-date through spring 2002.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.