People for and Against Gun Control - (Greenwood Press People Making a Difference) by Marjolijn Bijlefeld (Hardcover)

About the Book

The debate over gun control is a complex and compelling one that has created a deep divide between gun rights and gun control supporters. Student researchers can use this reference source to explore the issue through the lives of fifty people who have become actively involved in either supporting gun control and stricter laws, or in supporting the rights of people to own and carry guns. This unique approach to the debate provides profiles of these individuals, highlighting the different reasons for each person's deep involvement in the debate and the different elements involved in the debate as a whole.

Victims of gun violence, police officers, physicians, and Second Amendment scholars are among those who put a human face on this complicated debate. Readers can expect to experience a range of emotions and a questioning of their own views as they explore the complex issues of individual rights, the role of government and law enforcement, public health questions, and social issues such as gang violence and the need for safe communities from a variety of perspectives. A thorough introduction outlining the debate, references to additional sources, and complete lists of federal and state gun laws are additional tools this volume provides to help students understand the complexity of this divisive social issue.

Book Synopsis

The debate over gun control is a complex and compelling one that has created a deep divide between gun rights and gun control supporters. Student researchers can use this reference source to explore the issue through the lives of fifty people who have become actively involved in either supporting gun control and stricter laws, or in supporting the rights of people to own and carry guns. This unique approach to the debate provides profiles of these individuals, highlighting the different reasons for each person's deep involvement in the debate and the different elements involved in the debate as a whole.

Victims of gun violence, police officers, physicians, and Second Amendment scholars are among those who put a human face on this complicated debate. Readers can expect to experience a range of emotions and a questioning of their own views as they explore the complex issues of individual rights, the role of government and law enforcement, public health questions, and social issues such as gang violence and the need for safe communities from a variety of perspectives. A thorough introduction outlining the debate, references to additional sources, and complete lists of federal and state gun laws are additional tools this volume provides to help students understand the complexity of this divisive social issue.

Review Quotes

"For students researching current U.S. firearms policies, many sources are available, but few offer [this book's] insight into the people who impacted gun control, firearms education and legislation....The easy-to-read text is suitable for older teenagers and adult researchers."-Today's Librarian

?For students researching current U.S. firearms policies, many sources are available, but few offer [this book's] insight into the people who impacted gun control, firearms education and legislation....The easy-to-read text is suitable for older teenagers and adult researchers.?-Today's Librarian

?No other title is quite like this biographical reference work, and the topic is a perennial student favorite; recommended therefore for all high school and undergraduate collections.?-Choice

?The book presents an objective an interesting view of both sides of this issue. Even students who resist research projects will find themselves intrigued with the notion of examining an issue through the eyes of those who, for many different reasons, find themselves at the core of one of the most passionate debates of our era. This is a must-have for the reference collection. Consider other titles in the series as well.... Highly Recommended.?-The Book Report

?The value of this work is that it presents gun control issues from a different perspective than what students usually find available. The profiles are well written and compelling; they enable the student to consider a reasoned presentation of an opposing viewpoint. It would be particularly helpful for students taking a pro or con side in the gun control debate. Although recommended for school and college libraries, it would also be useful for public libraries where interest in the subject is high.?-American Reference Books Annual

?Who are the people behind the gun control headlines? High school students are doing countless reports debating the issues, but do they understand that these issues are the result of people whose deep-seated experiences have turned them toward advocacy either for or against this hot issues?...This is an essential reference in high schools where this hot topic is being considered.?-Reference for Students -- GaleGroup.com Reviews

?Students...will find this a splendid resource.?-VOYA

?Students...will find this a splendid resource.??VOYA

"No other title is quite like this biographical reference work, and the topic is a perennial student favorite; recommended therefore for all high school and undergraduate collections."-Choice

"Students...will find this a splendid resource."-VOYA

"The book presents an objective an interesting view of both sides of this issue. Even students who resist research projects will find themselves intrigued with the notion of examining an issue through the eyes of those who, for many different reasons, find themselves at the core of one of the most passionate debates of our era. This is a must-have for the reference collection. Consider other titles in the series as well.... Highly Recommended."-The Book Report

"Who are the people behind the gun control headlines? High school students are doing countless reports debating the issues, but do they understand that these issues are the result of people whose deep-seated experiences have turned them toward advocacy either for or against this hot issues?...This is an essential reference in high schools where this hot topic is being considered."-Reference for Students -- GaleGroup.com Reviews

"The value of this work is that it presents gun control issues from a different perspective than what students usually find available. The profiles are well written and compelling; they enable the student to consider a reasoned presentation of an opposing viewpoint. It would be particularly helpful for students taking a pro or con side in the gun control debate. Although recommended for school and college libraries, it would also be useful for public libraries where interest in the subject is high."-American Reference Books Annual

About the Author

MARJOLIJN BIJLEFELD is a freelance writer and editor who worked with the Coalition to End Gun Violence and served as the Director of The Educational Fund to End Gun Violence. She is the author of The Gun Control Debate: A Documentary History (Greenwood, 1997).