The Eighties in America, Vol. 2
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\ Library JournalThis three-volume encyclopedia edited by Berman (history, Univ. of Rochester; John Fiske: The Evolution of a Popularizer) is the latest in Salem's decade-themed historical encyclopedia series (see also the entries on the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s). The alphabetically arranged articles range from half a page to six pages in length. Although the topics encompass those unique to the 1980s and those spanning other decades, Berman focuses on the context of the decade itself and the historical impact of the topic. For example, Starbucks, a company established in 1971, makes the cut because of Howard Schultz's decision during the 1980s to change its business model vastly-and hence the retail-coffee industry. Entries are written in easy-to-read language, begin with brief facts (e.g., dates, places, definitions), and conclude with suggestions for further reading and See also references to other articles in the encyclopedia. Volume 3 contains no fewer than 16 appendixes listing the Academy Award winners for each year in the decade, significant legislation, and time lines.\ —Katherine Mossman\ \ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalGr 9 Up\ These 663 entries cover a wide variety of topics about the United States and Canada, including economics, politics, arts and entertainment, popular culture, the environment, current events, minority groups, sports, health and medicine, and science and technology. Generally objective and well written, the cross-referenced articles are divided into user-friendly sections that provide details about a person, event, or topic; impact; and further reading. Essays focus on the 1980s, with minimal background or discussion about anything that occurred before or after that decade. Appendixes provide new words and slang from the era, and information about entertainment, literature, music, sports, and government. The index is extensive. Average-quality black-and-white photos and sidebars with lists (of, for example, period Supreme Court justices) and excerpts from primary sources supplement the text. With topics that range from Boy George and Pee-Wee Herman to nuclear winter, this is a solid choice.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO\ \ \
