"The 19th century was arguably the most important in the nation's history, making the publication of this first-rate encyclopedia a significant event. Students using this 600-entry work, which is conveniently keyed to the National Standards for United States History, will find the entries easy to follow and enjoyable to read. It is an essential purchase for all public and academic libraries."--"Outstanding Reference Sources," American Libraries, May 2002.Covers the significant events, politics, government, economy, culture, social problems and reform, population, foreign policy, and everday lives of Americans during the nineteenth century.