《书目》(Booklist)书评
Gr. 5-8. Political scientist Feinberg draws heavily upon Safire's Political Dictionary, as well as government documents, almanacs, reference books, and textbooks, in this up-to-date guide to 500 words and phrases that make up the often colorful language of American government and politics. In addition to the traditional "isms" (liberalism, communism, etc.), she gives such slippery terms as electoral college, veto, and gerrymander generous coverage. Word origins, examples, facts, and trivia are sprinkled throughout the entries, and ample cross-references are provided. Other than the relationship to the news, however, Feinberg doesn't articulate her selection policy. In addition, she sometimes sacrifices accuracy in her quest for simplification. For instance, to say that in order "to limit the damage individuals can do, [conservatives] wish to disperse power among many groups in society" is misleading, and that "[they] especially object to government economic regulation and planning" is appropriate for only their most rigid members. Still, this dictionary leavened with political cartoons should be useful and entertaining for students in government studies classes who find traditional research sources too demanding. Sources appended. ~--Julie Corsaro