(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. These books chronicle the early history, military and internal conflicts, and recent upheavals of two European regions. Gibraltar explores the long-standing dispute between the United Kingdom and Spain, while Yugoslavia discusses the centuries-long conflicts among diverse groups. Though informative, the dense text may put off readers. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History titles: The Dispute over Gibraltar and The Breakup of Yugoslavia.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. This book examines the history of China from ancient times to the present. Numerous internal and external conflicts are chronicled, including the Communist takeover led by Mao Tse-tung and trade negotiations with other countries. The informative text includes only a few photographs, maps, and other visual elements; readers uninterested in political analysis may be put off by the density of text. Reading list, timeline, notes. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. This book traces the history of the area where Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina meet, from colonial times to the present. In recent years its isolation, political instability, and lack of border security have drawn drug smugglers, counterfeiters, and terrorists to the region. Although highly informative, the book's dull, unattractive format with few illustrative elements fails to generate interest. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. These books chronicle the early history, military and internal conflicts, and recent upheavals of two European regions. Gibraltar explores the long-standing dispute between the United Kingdom and Spain, while Yugoslavia discusses the centuries-long conflicts among diverse groups. Though informative, the dense text may put off readers. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History titles: The Dispute over Gibraltar and The Breakup of Yugoslavia.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. This thorough volume focuses on the symbolic "Iron Curtain" dividing Europe's Communist and non-Communist countries. Illustrated with poorly reproduced black-and-white photos, the dryly written book ably traces the forty-year history of the Cold War, examining American and Soviet perspectives, reporting on revolts in Berlin and Prague, and concluding with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. This overview discusses the Mason-Dixon Line from its origins (it was meant to resolve a border dispute between Maryland and Pennsylvania) to its destiny as a demarcation that played a role in the Civil War and race relations into the twentieth century. Illustrated with dull black-and-white photos and reproductions, the text is informative if long-winded and often flowery. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. These books examine the conflicts and struggles of two Asian countries throughout their long histories. Slavicek details the various dynasties responsible for the building of the Great Wall. Korea records events that brought the U.S. and North Korea to their present conflict. The few poor-quality photographs do little to enhance the informative texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History titles: Korea Divided and The Great Wall of China.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History series. These books examine the conflicts and struggles of two Asian countries throughout their long histories. Slavicek details the various dynasties responsible for the building of the Great Wall. Korea records events that brought the U.S. and North Korea to their present conflict. The few poor-quality photographs do little to enhance the informative texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Arbitrary Borders: Political Boundaries in World History titles: Korea Divided and The Great Wall of China.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg