From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up?These three books, based on the PBS series, could essentially be incorporated into one volume. Prior knowledge of the West and its history may be helpful; however, the material is so well presented and illustrated (chiefly with archival photographs and reproductions) that novices, scholars, or browsers can dip in anywhere and emerge with useful impressions and/or information. While some of the same ground is covered in a multitude of titles, the presentation is fresh and greatly enlivened by the visuals that appear on every page. For example, The West includes a shot of the copper smelter in Butte, MT, and the statement that surrounding hills were stripped of trees for fuel to fire the furnaces?this happened in many of the mining towns. In addition, coverage is not limited to the famous folks usually written about; instead, photo coverage is given to real people of various ethnic groups. These volumes are a real achievement; they are sure to inform, entertain, and invite further investigation on the subject.?George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Illustrates the event which drew thousands of people to California and its effect on the gold seekers, the Spanish settlers, and the native Indian tribes who lived there.
