Published in celebration of the Purchase's bicentennial, this resource offers a multifaceted view of a watershed American event. * 300 signed, A-Z essays, accompanied by an introduction placing the Louisiana Purchase in the context of American history * Lavishly illustrated including line drawings, photographs such as the opening ceremonies of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase International Exposition, and key figures such as Thomas Paine and James Madison * 100+ contributors, including well-known experts in the field * Six maps, 49 pertinent historical documents, a chronology, and an extensive bibliography