Here, in one handy volume, are more than 15,000 facts, dates, and events that trace and illuminate all facets of the American experience from early exploration to modern technology, sports to science, fashion to politics, religion to the arts. Covering more than 1,000 years of U.S. history, The Encyclopedia of American Facts and Dates records eveiything from the Norse explorers of 986 to Bill Clinton's election in November 1992. Uniquely arranged in four parallel columns for each year, the book covers: I. Exploration and Settlement, Wars, Government, Civil Rights, Statistics; II. Publishing, Arts and Music, Popular Entertainment, Architecture, Theater; III. Business and Industry, Science, Education, Philosophy and Religion; IV. Sports, Social Issues and Crime, Folkways, Fashion, Holidays.

When you read down the columns you learn about events in chronological order in a single area. When you read across the columns you get a picture of all the important events in all areas for any given year. This dual method of providing information is further supplemented by a superbly detailed and fully cross-referenced index. Containing a wealth of information - including key dates, vital statistics, important firsts, and more - the Encyclopedia provides, in short, all the details of American life. Most important, it doesn't only give you the facts; it also provides the important background information needed to place those facts in perspective.

The Encyclopedia of American Facts & Dates has been a standard work of American history since it was first published in 1956. Now in its ninth edition, it remains the only chronologically arranged book of American history with both encyclopedic detail and comprehensive coverage. It is the book to turn to for information on all aspects of American life.