Customer Reviews

Presidential Elections 1789-2008

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Previously, I purchased the 9th Edition (1789-2004) of this CQ Presidential Elections series. It is a great reference tool. The book is very well organized and chock full of useful information. So, I was excited when the new 10th Edition (1789 - 2004) was annnounced for pre-order on Amazon - especially inasmuch as the posted details state that the new edition is 417 pages. Inasmuch as the 9th edition is less than 300 pages, naturally I assumed that the 10th edition would contain a lot of new material, thereby justifying the purchase price. Upon receipt of the book I was dismayed to find that the new 10th edition is still less than 300 pages long (contrary to what was/is stated on the Amazon.com website's listing), and that almost all of the material in the 10th edition is identical to the 9th edition.

In all fairness, I would rate this book a definite 5-star - and I would recommend it to anyone who studies American politics and government - UNLESS, you already have an earlier edition of this CQ Presidential Elections series. If you do (as I do), then the marginal benefit of the new edition is not worthy of a "buy" rocommendation (a one-star rating at best). Hence, on balance I give it a 3-star rating.

THis is the most complete and interesting compendium of election facts and figures that I have ever seen! I am a political junkie as well as a history buff , so for me, this book is an absolute delight as I can study voting trends over decades and also enjoy the text material for insight into the process. I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in politics.