Many millions of Americans died between 2000 and 2002, but the editors undertook to select several hundred judged to have enduring legacies important to a wide circle. Among the 334 people profiled in this edition of SEAL are three who died in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Entries were prepared by biographers, journalists, academics, and other seasoned researchers and writers. They typically run about 2,000 words and cover family, career, formative influences, and the significance of achievements; most are accompanied by a b&w photo of the subject. A cumulative index of subjects by occupation shows that few occupations have been ignored by the series. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)