(4) 4-6 Famous Figures of the Civil War Era series. Illustrated with period reproductions, these biographies each accurately presents its subject's life, achieving in five or six chapters good balance about a sometimes controversial figure. Time lines and chronologies accompany the texts, whose styles vary from Lutz's fluidity to Grabowski's choppiness. The editorial decision to refer to the generals by first names is somewhat jarring. There are seven other books in this series. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Black Americans of Achievement series. Notable figures in the fields of entertainment, politics, and law are featured in these clearly written biographies that are illustrated with standard black-and-white photographs. The texts gloss over some aspects of the subjects' personal lives but capably explore their careers and professional accomplishments. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Female Firsts in Their Fields series. Accompanied by poorly reproduced black-and-white photos in an uninspired design, each of these volumes profiles the professional accomplishments of six pioneering women. The books don't discuss their subjects' personal lives in any depth, but they do address issues such as how individuals have made decisions about career, marriage, and/or family. This series offers a general history of women entering traditionally male-dominated professions. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary Burkey