In this latest volume in a series begun in 1931 with the classic reference, Famous First Facts , the authors mine US political history since the 16th century to unearth some 5,000 entries (but no illustrations) on subjects ranging alphabetically from the American Revolution to the White House. (For example, "America" was first used as a geographical designation in 1507.) The classification scheme and indexing system are first explained. Indexing is by subject, year, month and day, personal name, and geographical name. Readers may submit suggestions for firsts to include in future editions. Anzovin and Podell have contributed other volumes to Wilson's Reference Shelf series. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)