Alan Axelrod was born on August 25, 1952, in New York. He was educated at Northeastern Illinois University and University of Iowa. He is a leading writer about American history, and is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to American History. In his books, Axelrod presents the facts, details, and faces that have helped shape the history of the United States. Axelrod has served as a consultant to several museums and institutions. He has received numerous honors, including a National Cowboy Hall of Fame Award in 1991.
Walton Rawls is the author of Abbeville'sThe Great Book of Currier & Ives' AmericaandWake Up, America!: World War I and the American Poster.The New York Timesdescribed the first book as, "a bountiful, beautiful offering of Americana...a definitive presentation."Americanamagazine described the latter book as "A totally original way to document a dynamic period in our history...adds a new dimension to our understanding of the events." Rawls studied American history and literature at Harvard University.