The latest in Salem's “Decades” series, this illustrated 3-volume set describes the key people and events of the 1930s in the United States and Canada. The approximately 675 entries are arranged in alphabetical order and cover a host of different topics that range from politics to pop culture. Each entry lists the name of its author; a complete list of authors and the institutions they are affiliated with (where applicable) can be found at the start of the first volume. The entries conclude with a list of further reading along with a “see also” list of other entries of potential interest. The close of the third volume contains appendixes that list notable plays, films, radio programs, songs, books, and sports events of the decade. A timeline of key events is provided, along with a bibliography arranged by subject matter. A list of entries arranged by category, along with a photo index, personages index, and subject index enable users to retrieve information on specific topics.

As one might expect from a text devoted to the 1930s, much attention is given to the Great Depression. The volume contains a number of informative entries on the financial and political events that took place during this decade. The depth of coverage given to Canadian events is welcome. The “see also” references at the close of each entry and the comprehensive indexes, will allow readers to quickly find other entries of use. In entries that mention people or subjects that merit separate entries, it would have been useful to use bolded or italicized type to call readers’ attention to the other entries. The coverage of entertainment figures from the decade is somewhat curious, and one wonders why neither film star (and elected Queen of Hollywood) Myrna Loy nor popular singer Rudy Vallee receives an entry. At least one entry (“Hairstyles”) was not carefully proofread.

Libraries that have purchased other volumes in the series and libraries interested in adding resources relating to the Great Depression should find this a welcome addition to their collections. The Thirties in America will be of assistance to high school and undergraduate students beginning research on topics that took place in this decade.