Historical Dictionary of Washington, D.C.: (Historical Dictionaries of Cities, States, and Regions)

Devoted to the history of our nation's capital, uniquely situated within a federal district created from land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia, this Dictionary uses an A to Z approach to describe buildings, landmarks, events, and people, both living and dead, who have made an impact on Washington. Highlights: o Architects and city planners o Artists o Civil rights leaders o Educators o Mayors and administrators o Musicians and composers, and entertainers o Religious leaders o Scientists o Writers and poets The introduction, in narrative style, summarizes the history of government and economy, cultural life, education, parks, construction of the national capital, the war of 1812, the growth of the city, and much

About the Author :
Robert Benedetto is Associate Librarian and Associate Professor of Bibliography at Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. Jane Donovan is a freelance writer. She is the author of five books, and her articles and photography have appeared in the Washington Post, Georgetown Courier, Virginia Heritage, and other publications. Kathleen DuVall is a freelance editor. Previously she worked as managing editor of Interpretation, a quarterly journal published by the Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.

Review :
...will interest readers curious about the history of cities as well as librarians who will refer patrons to its entries on neighborhood development in the nongovernmental part of the city, famous local residents, important buildings of the municipal andfederal government, monuments, religious buildings, and parks. The many cross-references give readers a sense of architectural history, real estate developers, musicians, historians, and the city's place in US history. Useful features include a 50-page bibliography and lists of mayors and commissioners, annual events, archival collections, and architects of prominent buildings. A succinct, well-written guidebook for tourists tracking down sculpture, parks, and gardens. Recommended... Brief but well-written descriptions of neighborhoods, significant people born in Washington or active in Washington life, important events, cultural and religious organizations, and educational institutions...general readers likely will find it a browser's delight.... Covers Washington from its origins to the present day and contains entries on its people, buildings, neighborhoods, events and organizations, in addition to major legislation that shaped the city?entertaining reading..... The authors...have done an admirable job of distilling the enormous and increasing volume of information on Washington's people, places, and events into a practical handbook for scholars and writers, museum and site administrators, archivists, librarians, and other historical practitioners. [This handbook]...should evolve into an appreciated resource for Washington's residents and students......