The American Congress : the building of democracy /

Zelizer (Boston Univ.) has compiled an outstanding collection of 40 essays by illustrious scholars in this first comprehensive historical reference work on the US Congress. In contrast to the executive and judicial branches of government, historians have devoted less attention to Congress; thus, this work fills a void in the literature. The editor arranged the essays chronologically, from the first Congresses to the most recent. The work is divided into four sections: "the formative era (1790s-1820s); the partisan era (1830s-1900s); the committee era (1910s-1960s); and the contemporary era (1970s-today)." Brief thematic introductions open the work and the sections. Essays end with up-to-date bibliographical references. Internet references, however, may soon be dated. Short biographical sketches on significant congressional figures appear throughout. Major themes include the declining power of Congress in relation to other governmental branches asserting themselves; the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media; and the continued importance of Congress after the failed "Republican Revolution" to scale back government. This book, priced for a mass-market audience, is indispensable for anyone interested in the history of US government. ^BSumming Up: Essential. All public and academic levels/libraries. J. J. Bean Southern Illinois University Carbondale