Speaking of Washington: Facts, Firsts, and Folklore - Softcover

The subtitle of this book identifies it as lighter than the usual tomes published by CQ. Moore, one of the original editors of National Journal, has been an editor at CQ for a number of years and no doubt accumulated these facts in his time in Washington. Interspersed with trivia such as the shortest inaugural speech (George Washington's second inaugural address was 135 words) or the only president with a Ph.D. (Woodrow Wilson) are more substantial items, such as a two-page spread on historic Supreme Court rulings or an explanation of the Bill of Rights.

All this fascinating information is displayed in a pleasing format with many illustrations, side bars, and boxes. The first chapter is on the Constitution, with others on the White House, Congress, and political parties; the concluding chapter is "Entrenched Bureaucrats." As with other CQ publications, the book is current, with a number of references to and photographs of the Clinton administration.

Although this book will be useful in public, academic, high-school, and even personal libraries, there are minor criticisms. Moore gives credit for the photographs he has used but does not list any of his text sources. In addition, the index could be more detailed. For example, the chapter on the Constitution mentions that since young people 18 to 20 years old have been able to vote, their participation in presidential elections has declined from 48.3 percent in 1972 to 36.8 percent in 1992. This fact was not able to be accessed through the index. Still, even in hardcover, this is an inexpensive source packed with interesting and entertaining information on the U.S. government. Libraries may want to put it in the circulating collection, since it is not arranged for ready reference.

YA-A wide-ranging, lively compendium of people, places, and events that have shaped the presidency, the Congress, the Supreme Court, and the political parties. Topics range from pets at the White House to Congress's cemetery, but move on to more political subjects such as third-party candidates and campaign oratory. Whether readers are Washington insiders or "outside the Beltway," they'll find that there's always something more to learn about the nation's capital.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.