(3) YA The author of The Red Badge of Courage, as well as short stories and poems, compressed into his short life adventurous experiences and a rich literary output against seemingly constant personal bankruptcy. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, Lukes's biography uses primary sources to dramatically and sympathetically retell Crane's amazing life. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Notable Americans series. John Adams's zeal for public service and his impressive record therein were fueled by altruism laced with ego, a mixture that this readable biography presents well. Using carefully documented material, the author offers a balanced, smooth account presented in clear, concise prose. Archival portraits and drawings illustrate the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA World History series. Four eras in American history are surveyed in well-focused but somewhat dry texts. A lackluster design and dreary black-and-white photos and historical reproductions give the series an unappealing textbook-like quality; however, primary sources, including letters, speeches and legal documents, are presented as boxed sidebars and add to the effectiveness of the volumes. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 World Writers series. Quotations from Longfellow's journals and his extensive correspondence enliven this biography. Lukes discusses the poet's attempts to establish himself as a writer, his struggle to balance teaching responsibilities with writing, and his devotion to family and friends. A few black-and-white photos and historical reproductions of notable people and places accompany the text. A time line and list of major works are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges