The Catholic Company Book Review: Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History

Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History by Matthew Bunson & Margaret Bunson is my newest review book for The Catholic Company. 

Geared toward the Catholic layperson, it includes biographies, places, writings, events, organizations, a section on anti-Catholicism, & other topics (including some hot ones!)  All dioceses in the U.S. are listed, as well as the Catholic history of each state.

It covers people who have had great affects on Catholic U.S. history (Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bing Crosby, Juan Ponce de Leon, Native American Catholics, popes & their influence on the Church in America), Catholic media (EWTN, National Catholic Register), & Catholic universities, 

There are well-detailed pencil drawings & portraits significant to Catholic U.S. history scattered throughout...Blessed John XXIII, Cardinal Bernard Law, Ethel Barrymore, Dorothy Day, & numerous cathedrals to name a few.

If the book seems overwhelming at first, a good place to start would be pages 11-20. There, one will find a chronology of U.S. Catholic history...key dates from 1492-2011. There are also four appendices: 
* Saints, Blesseds, & Venerables of America
* Missionaries to the Americas
* Catholics in Statuary Hall
* Cathedrals, Basilicas, & Shrines.

There is so much information packed into this encyclopedia. It would be a great reference for all Catholic families to have on hand. I look forward to using it often, especially in our family's homeschooling activities.

(This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.)