Well-written, fast-moving, lots of illustrations including paintings, drawings, and contempory newspaper cartoons. Written for older kids but, like "A Little History of the World" by E.H. Gombrich, adults can learn or refresh their (American) history quickly and enjoyably. This history book is notable for its initial "capture" of people and events, without being brief or summary in telling the good story of the Louisiana Purchase; for example, there is an initial six-page "cast of characters" with a short paragraph describing each; good learning style.
