Formerly Almanac of American Politics. Biennially-published non-partisan guide to the members of the U.S. Congress and the areas they represent. (Search for name or place.)

Seventh edition (2013) probably is the preeminent overview of the U.S. Congress -- origins and development, powers, procedures, relations with other branches of government and with the electorate, data and documents, and more.

2011 collection contains 38 commissioned essays, and each contibution "critically engages the scholarship focusing on a particular aspect of congressional politics,..." [ preview ]

Revised edition (2010) contains about 700 alphabetically-arranged signed entries, most contributed by members of the American Political Science Association's Presidency Research Group. Includes several entries contributed by Robert Strong, W&L Professor of Politics.

2012 volume contains over 200 signed, scholarly "entries on American political, economic, and social issues."

Three-volume set (2010) "examines the ideas of the major political theorists from before Plato to our own times; the main schools of political thought; the concepts and issues that have captured the imagination and attention of political theorists; and some of the main institutions and practices inspired by political thought."

Five-colume set (2010) was prepared with the assistance of the American Political Science Association. It contains about 1,500 alphabetically-arranged, signed entries (including one contributed by Washington and Lee Professor Mark Rush) on "political theories, concepts, research frameworks, and political practices from across the world."

Third edition (2008) "considers how presidential leadership depends on its ability to gain the support or acquiescence of key constituencies outside government," including political parties, the mass media, public opinion, interest groups, and popular culture.

This is the third edition (2003) of the most comprehensive encyclopedia on American history, comprising ten volumes in printed form. The 4,400 signed articles range in length up to 7,000 words. [ preview ]

Chronologically-arranged seven-volume set (2010) on "the events, policies, activities, institutions, groups, people, and movements that have created and shaped political life in the United States." Note: The above link takes you only to Volume 1 (1500-1783). Links to additional volumes:
Volume 2 (1784-1840) * Volume 3 (1841-1877) * Volume 4 (1878-1920) * Volume 5 (1921-1945) * Volume 6 (1946-1975) * Volume 7 (1976-2009)

Compilation of documents important to the development of constitutional government in the U.S
The printed multi-volume set is available in the library collection.

Two-volume encyclopedia (2009) contains nearly 190 entries, written by over 130 historians and other scholars, covering "both the traditional topics of political history -- such as eras, institutions, political parties, presidents, and founding documents -- and the wider subjects of current scholarship... " [ preview ]

Coverage and analysis of every decision from the nation's highest court since the 1989-90 term.