The 1960s continue to be the subject of passionate debate and politicalcontroversy a touchstone in struggles over the meaning of the American pastand the direct... » 

The 1960s continue to be the subject of passionate debate and politicalcontroversy a touchstone in struggles over the meaning of the American pastand the direction of the American future. Amid the polemics and the mythsmaking sense of the Sixties and its legacies presents a challenge. This book isfor all those who want to take it on. Because there are so many facets to thisunique and transformative era this volume offers multiple approaches andperspectives.The first section gives a lively narrative overview of the decades majorpolicies events and cultural changes. The second presents ten originalinterpretative essays from prominent historians about significant andcontroversial issues from the Vietnam War to the sexual revolution followed bya concise encyclopedia articles organized alphabetically. This section couldstand as a reference work in itself and serves to supplement the narrative.Subsequent sections include short topical essays special subjects a briefchronology and finally an extensive annotated bibliography with ampleinformation on books films and electronic resources for further exploration.With interesting facts statistics and comparisons presented in almanac styleas well as the expertise of prominent scholars The Columbia Guide to Americain the 1960s is the most complete guide to an enduringly fascinating era. «