Gun Control: An Issue for the Nineties (Issues in Focus)

Presents pros and cons regarding gun control, discussing such aspects as the history of gun ownership and access to guns in America.

Grade 7 Up-- Two similar efforts about the same topic presented in different styles. Bernards gives a clear summary of the debate. In a matter-of-fact tone, he discusses the history of the gun culture and the efforts to regulate their usage in the U. S. and in other countries. The question of whether the Second Amendment condones or prohibits gun control is explored. The accompanying black-and-white photographs and editorial cartoons add interest to an otherwise dry text. Newton covers much of the same material but in a more readable and interesting manner. Using actual incidents to illustrate both sides of the debate, he shows how the statistics can be skewed to endorse either side's position. The main organizations involved are profiled without bias; their addresses are appended. The illustrations are decorative rather than informative. The future of gun control is thoroughly explored and the philosophy behind the issues is presented. Each chapter has footnoted statistics and quotes, and the list for further reading is more extensive and current, but also more difficult, than in Bernards's book. Both are thorough explorations of the topic and use many of the same statistics and examples to explain their points. Bernards is more philosophical; Newton is more accessible. This one is a tossup. --Kathryn Havris, Mesa Public Library, AZ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An excellent, balanced overview of gun control in the US. Newton is careful to indicate the biases of his sources, and also notes when statistics have been challenged by the pro- or anti-gun lobbies. This useful addition to the ``Issues in Focus'' series gives a historical perspective on gun ownership and use, then discusses guns in relation to the Second Amendment and to federal, state and local laws, as well as current problems of guns and violence, arguments of gun and anti-gun lobbies, and possibilities for the future. A well-organized, scrupulously fair book on an important topic. B&w photos; extensive chapter notes; sources for further information; further reading; index. (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.