Many scholars cite the Watergate crisis as marking the beginning of the age of cynicism in America. This basic text on the events surrounding Watergate includes discussions of who was involved, what actually happened, what it meant then, and what it means now, as well as how it impacted the events of the next twenty years. Genovese (political science, Loyola Marymount U., Los Angeles) offers analytical material in addition to the facts of the case, including discussions of whether the president is above the law, and how the media has become more intrusive and personal since the crisis. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)