Gun Control

SYNOPSIS

Without taking sides in the issue, Henderson presents the historical background and the criminological, legal, and legislative aspects of gun control in the US. He includes a chronology from 871 to 2000, and biographies of key figures such as Charlton Heston, president of the National Rifle Association, and Fernando Mateo, founder of Goods for Guns. Like others in the series, the treatment is intended for high school or undergraduate students, or as an entry to further research. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Some key features of this volume are its extensive overview of the history and issues of gun control, summaries of the law (with the text of important cases and statutes), biographies; definitions of terms, a chronology of important Anglo-American events (from 871 C.E.), a lengthy annotated bibliography, selected tables from research studies, and a research section detailing how to find information on the Internet, in libraries, and from government sources. Henderson, a writer and editor who has written books on privacy, capital punishment, and terrorism, maintains a balanced point of view between advocates and opponents of gun control. The information here will be most useful to high-school or college student researchers, but reference librarians will also appreciate the chronology and law sections. Glenn H. Utter's Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Rights (LJ 3/1/00) and Earl R. Kruschke's Gun Control: A Reference Handbook (ABC-Clio, 1995; updated on the web) offer very much the same basic information. Henderson's strong points are the excellent overview and discussion of how to do research. Recommended for academic, public, and high school libraries.--Mary Jane Brustman, Univ. at Albany Libs., NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

School Library Journal

YA-Although the specific topics are not clearly separated into pros and cons as in many other series, the questions raised about gun control are thoroughly discussed. The first chapter presents the subject in its historical context, followed by summaries of specific state and federal laws. The most important court cases in the field are succinctly presented with the background, legal issues, decisions, and impact distinctly delineated. Nearly 20 pages are devoted to advice on how to research the issue, including descriptions of general search engines and specific Web sites. The title has a lengthy, annotated bibliography and lists of related organizations. A useful tool for research and debates.-Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal