From prehistory to the present, the vast spectrum of American history and culture comes alive in this visually spectacular, one-stop reference. The huge fold-out timechart section goes year-by-year; in neat, easy-to follow rows, find the presidents; also the government, the politics and laws of any period; the settlements and cities; work and trade; social changes; art and culture; new knowledge; conflicts abroad; and other contextual events. More than 300 full-color images tell the story of the New World, from the Native American First Nations, the Colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the expansion west to the Civil War; the enterprising ideas and innovations, World War II, and the space program. A Hall of Fame showcases great actors and actresses, sports people, TV personalities, artists, writers and thinkers, and movie makers.