Book excerpt: The spoken word is an invaluable asset which strengthens human experience of the past and adds vigor to the documentation of historical accounts. This series presents major events in American history through the rich personal testimonies of those who were there. Each volume includes: -- A preface illuminating historical background and research details -- A collection of oral testimonies selected from a range of rare and hard-to-find sources -- A concluding analytical chapter -- Notes, bibliography and an index -- Illustrations