Encyclopedia of the Continental Congresses Review

Friday, May 25, 2018 12:27:52 PM
“…This is obviously an excellent, well-researched and written encyclopedia which would be extremely useful for research projects, reference interactions and other academic inquiries; however, it would best serve libraries connected to large research institutions with strengths in history, political science, archaeology and cultural studies. In public libraries, archives and special libraries that are geographically located in what were the original 13, the Encyclopedia probably would have a more patron appeal than in libraries located elsewhere, far removed from the physical history of the early American republic. This is a highly recommended source.”
-Reference Reviews

“Grossman’s unique resource is a comprehensive work canvassing the entirety of the Continental Congress, from its first meeting, in September 1774, to the initial meeting of the first U.S. federal government, in 1789. The 509 individual entries cover the great as well as the lesser-known, from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Pain to Marlyland delegated Jeremiah Townley Chase and health-care pioneer Dr. James Tilton. Also included are several topical entries, such as “Religion and the Continental Congress” and “Treaty of Alliance with France.” The work also includes a historical time line and 31 primary documents, including the Suffolk Resolves (September 9, 1774) and Richard H. Lee’s resolution for independence.”
-Booklist

“…The Encyclopedia of Continental Congresses is an obvious labor of love. The time and effort needed to gather and distill information contained in these two volumes required a deep scholarly commitment. Not only does Mr. Grossman cover those who served in these formative Congresses, he also includes those who were selected but did not serve. By quoting numerous primary sources, he offers not only firsthand accounts but is able to provide perspectives of both Colonial and British observers and participants. And by including the comments of numerous historians, Mr. Grossman intersperses immediate scholarly analysis. The Encyclopedia of Continental Congresses is a unique resource that serves both as central repository of detailed biographies and as a rich source of references for the avid researcher. As such, it is a natural addition to academic library collections that support the serious study of this formative time in U.S. history.”
-Against the Grain

“…The Encyclopedia of the Continental Congress is presented in a very straight-forward manner, regardless of whether the user is a novice first-year college students or ardent researcher…Grossman provides the reader not only a descriptive entry pertaining to the delegate’s time as a member of the Continental Congress, but a comprehensive history of the men prior to and after their time served. The reader will not only be impressed by the extensive list of delegates presented to him, but will be astonished by the incredible collection of topics, included The Bank of the United States, Relations with France, Lexington and Concord, Nassau Hall, and The Olive Branch Petition. Nearly all entries included either a photo or a state seal, italicized excerpts from relevant primary documents, and footnotes…It is a clear must have for any Academic Library’s Reference Collection, let alone a historian who specializes in this era of American History.”
-ARBA