Gr 8 Up-This book examines an exciting period of growth and change. Ten chapters focus on "World Events"; "The Arts"; "Business and the Economy"; "Communications"; "Education"; "Government and Politics"; "Law and Justice"; "Lifestyles, Social Trends, Fashion, Sports, and Recreation"; "Religion"; and "Science and Medicine." Each chapter includes an overview of the subject, a chronology of important events, topics in the news, and profiles of significant people. The Gold Rush, Native Americans, transportation, land law, slavery, vigilante justice, disease, and alcoholism are all discussed. Insets provide interesting tidbits on individuals, popular songs, firsthand descriptions of life on the trail, and more. Numerous black-and-white captioned photographs and reproductions enhance the text. The book concludes with a bibliography of primary resources and another of current titles. Students will appreciate the wealth of well-organized information while casual readers will enjoy the lively writing style.-Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, GA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.