21 volumes were published by Encyclopaedia Britannica between 1968 and 1987, with a volume (1987-2001) added in 2003. The editors at EB have skillfully selected primary documents written between 1497 and 2001 (articles, essays, songs, speeches...) to give a flavor to the social, political, cultural, and economic developments that form United States history. Some 1,500 authors are represented (women and minorities have been consciously included), and the set contains some 5,000 illustrations. The title of v.22 is dubious: A New World Order. It may be new to those of us experiencing it; but the Annals is all about the many "new world orders" over the past 500 years. A fine work, well edited, conveniently sized (6.25x9.5"), attractive and appealing; desirable for any collection for readers from young adult through adult that cannot provide all the sources extracted here.