Politics In America 2000 Hardbound Edition (Politics in America (Cloth), 2000)

Congressional Quarterly is a venerable weekly that covers Congress more thoroughly than any other publication, and the expertise of its reporters and editors shows in the detail, accuracy, and perfect pitch of Politics in America, which puts every conceivable political fact at enthusiasts' fingertips. It is a perfect companion volume to The Almanac of American Politics, though far less chatty and considerably quicker to use than that somewhat better known reference work. Those who take politics seriously, and even those who look at it slightly askance as just an interesting bloodsport, should have both books in their library.

The vital statistics for every state are included, ranging from the populations of major cities to the salaries of state legislators and the phone numbers of the Democratic and Republican party headquarters. Particularly useful are maps of each state with congressional districts outlined (maps the Almanac lacks). The biographical sketches of Congress members are in most cases short and to the point--not necessarily entertaining, but great for quick information. One other handy reference feature--the book also comes with a companion CD-ROM edition. --Linda Killian