A PICTORIAL REVIEW OF AMERICA

Another eminent American has looked at his world and has exalted the fascinating story of these United States in a popular "collective biography" of the American people. The American Viewpoint Society is sponsor for a series of three "American viewpoint" publications of which this is one, the others being "We and Our Government" and "We and Our Work." The activities of the Society are being conducted under the authorization and with the cooperation of the U. S. Department of Labor, primarily for the purposes of citizenship classes throughout the United States.

"We and Our History" has furnished us with the first true American Outline of History." Undoubtedly, the author has harkened to the eloquent appeal of James Harvey Robinson to "humanize" and "de-academize" knowledge for the benefit of the masses. Both of these objects have been accomplished largely through the medium of a careful selection of authenticated pictures and cartoons. The book is an example of the modern movement to teach general history by means of the visual appeal. It is an exceptionally valuable "pictorial review" of the story of our people. The illustrations occupy more than half the space and at first sight appear to be the more important part of the work, but the text, admirably and tersely expressed, is an indispensible supplement. The manner of organization of the pictures in such a fashion that they, in themselves, unfold a coherent, though sketchy, story of the American people, is most commendable.

Purpose "To Make Us Rejoice"

The author's purpose is best expressed in his own words: "to make us rejoice anew that we are citizens and dwellers in so great and so happy a land." Unfortunately, there are many things in our past and contemporary history which might mar this bit of idealism. But it is not expected that the author dwell on these events when addressing primarily the young and newly naturalized American. Although Professor Hart leaves one with the impression that our history is a resultant of popular forces mainly, the significance of personal leadership in our history is very strongly emphasized by frequent panegyrical sketches of our "beacon lights." In the brief span of 320 pages, the author gives some consideration to the development of all phases of American life except music and art. After contact with this latest contribution of Professor Hart even the most skeptical could not suppress some feeling of gratitude for his membership in our great Republic.