"The nature of various sparks to violence--religious, governmental, prejudicial--suggests that we Americans can be a miserable lot. Archer dedicates the book to his granddaughters, who might, if we're lucky, benefit from the remedies he proposes." -- Kirkus Reviews "A subject not routinely covered in books for young people receives some timely, close-up attention by a respected chronicler of modern history and politics." -- Booklist "Clear, concise, and will hold readers' interest. In addition, it will be a valuable supplement to history and sociology curriculums." -- School Library Journal "A good beginning for students researching mob violence in America." -- The Book Report "Well researched and includes historical and contemporary causes and contexts of riots and mob action." -- Social Education "Absorbing history.

this is an honest look at how easily violence may erupt and a crowd turn deadly." -- Journal of Reading.