Encyclopedia of the JFK Assassination (Facts on File Library of American History) [Paperback]

Michael Benson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

With dozens of books available on one of the most famous assassinations in modern history, another one hardly seems needed. That said, this volume provides a listing of people, places, and events related (however slightly) to November 22 to 24, 1963. Following an introduction that describes the events and summarizes conspiracy theories are hundreds of entries, from Abundant Life Temple (which figures in theories regarding Oswald's movement following the assassination) to Zoppi, Tony (Dallas Morning News columnist). These range from a paragraph to identify people and groups (Cuban Revolutionary Council; Garner, Dorothy Ann), to 4 or 5 pages (Autopsy of John F. Kennedy; Federal Bureau of Investigation), to the 16-page Oswald, Lee Harvey, with most entries about a half page in length.

No sources are listed for individual entries, but a lengthy bibliography of books and articles, with some citations annotated, is at the end. An index and numerous see references help a user through the entries. Some photos and maps illustrate people and sites in the text. Four appendixes include JFK organizations (but no Web sites), Jack Ruby's written statement, a list of films and videos on the assassination, and the conclusion of the House Select Committee on Assassinations.

For the most part, this volume is readable and intriguing. The topic holds such interest for so many people that the encyclopedia is sure to be useful for high-school students just learning about the assassination, the general public, and even knowledgeable researchers. For more on the JFK assassination, see Reference on the Web on p.780. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; First Edition edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816044775
• ISBN-13: 978-0816044771
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,997,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book-2 Thumbs Up, November 19, 2003

By 

"adarrigan" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the JFK Assassination (Facts on File Library of American History) (Paperback)

One of the best books I've read regarding the JFK Assassination. It is an excellent resource material for the many theories surrounding the assassination. The entries are listed in alphbetical order, which makes cross-referencing very easy and the photos and the maps are helpful. This book is full of interesting information. Also, check out some of the author's previous work such as, "Who's Who in the JFK Assassination: An A to Z Encyclopedia" or "Ballparks of America: A Comprehensive Historical Reference to Baseball Grounds, Yards and Stadiums, 1845 to Present".

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource, June 22, 2003

By 

"gemini41" (Stoneham, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the JFK Assassination (Facts on File Library of American History) (Paperback)

The Encyclopedia of the JFK Assassination is one of the best resources I've found for access to many obscure and rarely mentioned minor characters in this historical mystery. This book avoids any breathless disclosures in favor of excellent detail on many of the blind alleys and unknown people who are a part of the historical record, but are rarely mentioned. Open at any page, and you will be intrigued by at least one entry, and will find yourself following the cross references to other entries throughout the book. I find that I often bookmark pages to come back to later, even after having read virtually everything credible done on the subject. Highly recommended for your bookshelf.

3 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars non-fiction?, September 14, 2003

By 

Rick Mark (Lake Oswego, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the JFK Assassination (Facts on File Library of American History) (Paperback)

This is a terrible book. It presents highly speculative and unfounded conspiracy theories as if they're actually true! It doesn't belong on the non-fiction shelf of the library, which is where I found it. Please don't spend money on authors like this, who have no qualms about making a profit by spreading lies about the assassination of JFK.