West Point: The First 200 Years - Hardcover

West Point - the name resonates through the annals of American history from its earliest pages down to the present day. Established by the founding fathers of a fledgling democratic nation, the United States Military Academy has, in 200 years, trained the leaders of American land forces in every major battle from the Civil War to Afghanistan, instilling in them the creed that has become part of the American cultural fabric - DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY.West Point: The First 200 Years is a celebration in words and pictures of the venerable military academy's remarkable role in our nation's history. Published to coincide with the Academy's bicentennial, this lavish commemorative book tells the story of West Point, from its awkward beginnings to the divisiveness of the Civil War through the social challenges of the modern era - including the admission of the first African American and female cadets and the backlash of the Vietnam War.Woven into the fabric of this extraordinary history are the stories and images of the larger-than-life characters that people the Academy's past: Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, and H. Norman Schwarzkopf to name just a few.Stunning, full-color photographs of the campus as it looks today, archival images of the Academy, and photos of artifacts and memorabilia from the West Point Museum's collections are featured throughout the pages of this beautiful keepsake volume. The perfect souvenir of the Academy's 200th anniversary, this book will be a treasure not just for West Point alumni and their families, but for anyone with an interest in American history. (8 3/4 x 11 1/4, 208 pages, color photos, b&w photos)

The publication of these two volumes coincides with the 200th anniversary of the founding of West Point in March 2002. The first is a brief history and a companion to the PBS special to air in March, while the second is a photographic essay on student life at the academy. Executive producer Grant and historians James Lynch and Ronald Bailey have written an excellent short history of the academy. They emphasize the contributions of superintendents Alden Partridge, Sylvanus Thayer, Robert E. Lee, and Douglas MacArthur, spicing the text with well-chosen reproductions of historical artifacts, photographs, drawings, and paintings. Also covered are the hazing scandals, interracial problems, and the violations of the honor code. (The football scandals of the 1950s are not mentioned, however.) The authors stress that the current excellence of the academic program is based on the continual emphasis on mathematics and the physical sciences. Internationally known photographer Lippman (Bali Journal) spent over a year at the academy as an artist in residence. Her black-and-white photographs vividly portray cadet life, parades, maneuvers, and athletic pursuits. Excellent composition and an emphasis on contrast have created the most beautiful book ever devoted to life at West Point. West Point graduate and author Salter (Burning the Days: A Recollection) contributes a brief narrative. The PBS companion is recommended for all libraries seeking an excellent short history of West Point. Lippman's photographic essay would be a welcome addition to libraries housing large art collections. Richard Nowicki, Emerson Vocational High (ret.), Buffalo, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.