This book "provides a comprehensive listing of the book-length works published from 1962 to 1973 that are relevant to the study of American history [and is] organized into a subject classification system. This bibliography gives access to over 50,000 works on the history, the geography, and the political, social, and economic aspects of the United States, its people, its government, and its institutions. The entries cover the entire area now within the United States or under its jurisdiction, ranging from prehistoric times to 1973"--Introd.

When the Handbook for Research in American History was first published, reviewers called it "an excellent tool for historians of all interests and levels of experience . . . simple to use, and concisely worded" (Western Historical Quarterly) and "an excellent work that fulfills its title in being portable yet well-filled" (Reference Reviews). The Journal of American History added, "It is not easy to produce a reference work that is utilitarian and enriching and does not duplicate existing works. Professor Prucha has done the job very well." This second, revised edition takes account of the revolution that is occurring in bibliographic science as printed reference works extend to electronic databases, CD-ROMs, and online networks such as the Internet. Focusing on and expanding the major section of the original Handbook, it provides information on traditional printed works, describes new guides and updated versions of old ones, notes the availability of reference works and of some full-text sources in electronic form, and discusses the usefulness to researchers of different kinds of material and the forms in which they are available. Extensive cross-referencing and a detailed index that includes authors, subjects, and titles enhance the book's usefulness.

...a leaping departure in comprehensiveness, organizational format, and accessibility through indexing...A magnificent contribution to the study of American library history. --LIBRARIES & CULTURE ...a work of enormous and painstaking scholarship. --LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RECORD (UK)