Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Arts and culture series.

Entries are arranged in chronological order and concentrated on American and western European events; a formal essay structure consisting of a summary of the event, its impact, an annotated bibliography, and cross references to related subjects; and special indexes allowing access by personal name, geographical region, subject/key word, and year. Entries average 2500 words; they are written with a restrained uniformity and are signed. As with most of the "Great Events" material, topics concern the 20th century, here ranging from 1897 to 1992. The set's U.S. focus means that culture is most often popular culture, which automatically generates debate regarding criteria for inclusion. The diversity of subject matter in the Magill series is one of its greatest strengths, and here you'll find a serious discussion of Homer Simpson as well as of Igor Stravinsky. The "Impact of Event" section of some entries is weak, being merely a recitation of the principle personage's activities rather than a true evaluation of influences and effects, but on the whole this is another satisfying set from Magill that gives concise but effective overviews of a broad scope of cultural topics from 20th-century history. For public and academic libraries.

Also issued online.

SACFinal081324