Current Survey of American History Reference Sources Available to Purchase

This year's survey focuses mainly on reference works published during 1979 and early 1980. However, to help maintain continuity with previous surveys, some especially noteworthy 1978 imprints are also included. Among a number of impressive new works which appeared in 1979 is The Encyclopedia of Southern History, from Louisiana State University Press. Twelve years in the making, this work fills a long‐felt need for an authoritative sourcebook on southern regional history. ABC‐Clio, publisher of the America: History and Life abstracting service, has made the vast literature on women and on the American and Canadian West more accessible with two new titles in its bibliography series. The two western encyclopedias reviewed provide topical summaries of the many contributions the West has made to American history, including the saga of the western gunfighter. In addition, biographies of American scientists and the explication of recent events in American history are offered by two new reference publications.