Product Description
A Companion to American Cultural History offers a historiographic overview of the scholarship, with special attention to the major studies and debates that have shaped the field, and an assessment of where it is currently headed.

• 30 essays explore the history of American culture at all analytic levels
• Written by scholarly experts well-versed in the questions and controversies that have activated interest in this burgeoning field
• Part of the authoritative Blackwell Companions to American History series
• Provides both a chronological and thematic approach: topics range from British America in the Eighteenth Century to the modern day globalization of American Culture; thematic approaches include gender and sexuality and popular culture

Product Description
Combining history with discussions of dramatic cinema, this book examines how film has portrayed Latin America from the late fifteenth century to the present. An introduction on the visual presentation of the past in the movies sets the stage for a set of essays that explores the best feature films on Latin America from the professional historian's perspective. ... Read more

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This carefully collected volume of eight essays and 24 supporting documents allows access to the best and latest scholarship on mainland British North America. This book demonstrates how differences in race, ethnicity, gender, and social status were continuously negotiated throughout England's North American colonies. ... Read more

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Volume II of this acclaimed series is now available in an abridged paperback edition. The result of years of work by scholars from all over the world, The UNESCO General History of Africa reflects how the different peoples of Africa view their civilizations and shows the historical relationships between the various parts of the continent. Historical connections with other continents demonstrate Africa's contribution to the development of human civilization. Each volume is lavishly illustrated and contains a comprehensive bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

MUST BUY!
This Is not a lightweight book on the ancient africa.All of the countries are covered In detail, but most of It covers Egypt.Still, there Is so much Information you still won't feel cheated.Great pictures adorn each chapter and the biography Is extensive.The history books and hollywood refuse to show the people as they were,- as africans but this one changes that Image. Most of It Is a easy read but If you are lukewarm to african history some of It might not Interest you.Still this book should be purchased by anyone, but especially those with an Interest In African History.

Excellent Reference Book!
This a weighty book which focuses on thecivilizations of africa.There Is a lot of Information and It covers all of ancient africa.I picked up on a lot of things I did not know and others I knew of somewhat but not completly.I highly recomend this book to students or anyone has a Interest In ancient african history.

Valuable Introduction to Ancient African History
This volume of UNESCO's General History of Africa introduces ancient African history for the general student.Much of the work focuses on Egypt, as that great ancient civilization left more records for historiansto work with.But the rest of Africa is not forgotten; indeed, the stateof historical research (which often relies heavily on archeology) is nicelysummarized for all regions in Africa.At times the writing is a bit denseor dry, but these sections may be skimmed or skipped with little loss.Atother times, the work is most enlightening; such as, to take but oneexample, in a section on ethnic origins of the peoples in Madagascar.Thebook substantiates the thesis that the histories of various regions inAfrica are all inter-connected and provides strong support that Africa didindeed contribute to Western civilization.While the work is, in a sense,a defense against racist interpretations of Africa's past, it resistsmaking exaggerated claims.I recommend this work to general students ofAfrican history and secondary education teachers who might wish to add somedepth to their lessons. ... Read more

Product Description
The Cambridge History of American Literature addresses the spectrum of new and established directions in American writing. An interdisciplinary distillation of American literary history, it weds the voice of traditional criticism with the diversity of interests that characterize contemporary literary studies. Volume 1 covers the colonial and early national periods, discussing authors ranging from Renaissance explorers to the poets and novelists of the new republic. It should prove an indispensable guide for scholars and students in the fields of English and American literatures and American history. ... Read more

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Contains over 4,000 entries including the complete text of the U.S. Constitution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very Helpful
This little book/dictionary has a brief and succinct account on almost every main event, person, court case, legislation, etc. It even conveniently includes a copy of the US constitution at the end. If you are looking for a quick reference or maybe something to refresh your memory, then this book is perfect for you. However, if you are looking for an in depth analysis on various historical events, people, etc. then I wouldn't recommend this book.

A Rich Reference Book
Dictionary of American History, Michael Martin & Leonard Gelber

The authors attempted to provide a reference to events of American history such as economics, finance, labor, law, social welfare, literature, industry, science, religion, commerce, and foreign policy while not skipping political and military events. They carefully selected and edited this range of materials for the widest audience. Biographical items provide the essentials, as determined by the authors' judgments. They used 714 pages in this 1978 edition. You will be rewarded by any random search of the entries. There is an amazing number of facts that will educate and entertain the casual reader, and provide a starting point for more research. [One miscalculation was to list the ERA as Article XXVII.]

"Gas Industry" tells of the use of gas for lighting since 1806 in Newport RI. Baltimore in 1816 became the first city lighted by gas. Boston in 1822, New York in 1823, Philadelphia in 1837, the Capitol in 1847. "Income Tax" tells of its progressive features. It first exempted ordinary people (who earned less than $600 in 1861). By the 20th century most states had income tax laws to raise revenue. "Tenant Farmers" tells how the Bankhead-Jones Act of 1937 provided loans for the purchase of family farms. "Tenement Laws" improved the fire and health hazards of housing with new standards for plumbing, fireproofing, ventilation, and light. Old law tenements still existed in the 1930s until Federal laws allowed their replacement by low rent housing. "Granger Laws" were state laws that regulated railroads, grain elevators, and storage warehouses for the benefit of the midwest farmers. After these laws were declared unconstitutional in 1886 by a Supreme Court influenced by the railroads, Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887. Further amendments affected other industries. "Fair trade laws" allowed manufacturers to fix retail prices for their products for every retailer. In 1951 the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional any state law that affected interstate commerce.

"McCulloch vs. Maryland" was the 1819 Supreme Court decision that Congress could not be limited in its power if the end was legitimate and the means used were appropriate. The "Glass-Steagall Act" created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, restricted Federal Reserve Bank credit from speculation, and banks from dealing in foreign securities and as securities underwriters. [Its modification in the early 1990s allowed Investment Banks to use a perfectly legal form of "pump and dump" to swindle investors in the High Tech stock bubble of the late 1990s.] "Drake, Edwin Laurentine" drilled the first oil well in western Pennsylvania in 1859. The "Social Security Act" of 1935 provided for compulsory savings for wage earners to provide an annuity upon retirement. [Their figure of a "3%" deduction and monetary figures are long out of date.] "Wyoming" produces cattle, coal, oil, wool, and timber. In 1869 it allowed woman suffrage in national elections, and elected the first woman governor in 1925. It was called the "Equality State". "Palmer Raids" arrested and imprisoned thousands of aliens without a legal trial. Accused of violating the Constitution, A. Mitchell Palmer did not win higher political office. The "Yazoo Land Frauds" occurred when the Georgia legislature was bribed to give 35 million acres to a company for $500,000. This was declared unconstitutional and led to a long legal battle.

very interesting and cultured
I'm a French studient and I'm studying English at University. The University library had it and I find it very instructive so I recommand it to the other students. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents brief summaries and places in perspective key American men, women, and events from the post-Civil War era, through the course of the twentieth century, and concluding with today’s post 9/11 crisis. For more than a decade, titles in this handy, quick study series have helped many college freshmen and others taking introductory 101–level college courses. Designed to be compatible with virtually all standard textbooks in their target subjects, EZ–101 Study Keys outline and organize subject material so that it resembles classroom lecture notes taken by attentive students. As such, these books provide a general overview of course material, and are ideal for brush-up and review study sessions before taking examinations or writing class papers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good for CLEP, yes i passed!
This handy little book helped highlight topics to help study for the CLEP American History II exam.I highly suggest that you pair this with a textbook to get more in depth.It is certainly not enough on it's own.Great way to stay to focus on appropriate topics which are part of the exam.

helpful review
I bought this book along with "American History to 1877" for the AP History exam. There is not enough information to learn all about the history, but these books are great for reviewing. They cover briefly most of the historical events and figures, and are organized so you can find the information quickly.

Only a little helpful
The only way this book helped was that it made me familiar with major things that happened within the specified timeframe.Other than that, I was lost on the CLEP.

A Great Help For College Students
Read this book and you'll easily be able to pass any college history test.Its only about 200 pages long!!!Its the Cliff's Notes of history!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This book is concise, easy -to-use guide to the individuals, peoples, parties, movements, events, decisions and wars that have shaped the history of the United States. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
I used this book for when I was doing IB US History and also AP American History. This book is full of detailed explanations for cases and incidents.

Very Informative
This dictionary of American History is amongst the best out there.It was very informative in my classes and very helpful for AP/IB exams.I heavily suggest this book for students or people with interest in American History. ... Read more

Product Description

This text, designed for courses in US labor history or the history of American workers, presents a carefully selected group of readings that allow students to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw their own conclusions.

Major Problems in the History of American Workers follows the proven Major Problems format, with 14–15 chapters per volume, a combination of documents and essays, chapter introductions, headnotes, and suggested readings.

Product Description
This book presents a chronological review of key men, women, and events, from the time of the first North American settlers to the twenty-first century. It includes maps, illustrations, and review questions with answers. Over the years, Barron’s popular and widely used Easy Way books have proven themselves to be accessible self-teaching manuals. They have also found their way into many classrooms as valuable and easy-to-use textbook supplements. The titles cover a wide variety of practical and academic topics, presenting fundamental subject matter so that it can be clearly understood and providing a foundation for more advanced study. Easy Way books fulfill many purposes: they help students improve their grades, serve as good test preparation review books, and provide readers working outside classroom settings with practical information on subjects that relate to their occupations and careers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dumbed down for production line educators
If the book was meant to provide a quick overview of American history as a two week long introduction to more profound study it would rate 5 stars.But this book is being used as a textbook to present the totality of American history to high school students.I've read the book and talked to educators who are using it to teach American history.It is being misused as a textbook.Some are saying this is THE book to use for teaching American history.That's like saying all the news worth knowing can be found in USA Today.The 3 stars is for the trend this book represents.Otherwise, it may be OK if applied properly as a sparse intro to American history.

This is an easy & quick book for all history students.
This book makes history easy for kids and adults of all ages. The text is simple and easy to understand. Side questions help you understand topics, and it won't bore you (too much) with long-winded text. great for studying, all though it isn't suited for the incredable detailed test. Catches you up or renews your interest in the history of our country. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume I of this acclaimed series is now available in an abridged paperback edition. The result of years of work by scholars from all over the world, The UNESCO General History of Africa reflects how the different peoples of Africa view their civilizations and shows the historical relationships between the various parts of the continent. Historical connections with other continents demonstrate Africa's contribution to the development of human civilization. Each volume is lavishly illustrated and contains a comprehensive bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ordered Wrong Book
I got the worng book. I know that's not the sellers fault, but it kind of sucked. The book had a few stains and was worn, but was dirt cheap so that too me was more inportant. I have to reorder the correct book, which is being rushed to me. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is a collection of over 100 primary sources in women's history that reveals the diversity of women's experience from the colonial era through the 19th century.The documents range from the familiar to the unusual.Collectively, they evoke interest, inspire reflection, and invite commentary from readers. This volume can stand alone, or it can be used in combination with Susan Ware's MODERN AMERICAN WOMEN, 1890 TO THE PRESENT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fair
This book arrived very quickly, well before the last possible arrival date. However, it has many more highlight markings and writing in it than I had expected. All text is still readable, it's just somewhat distracting.

very good
Its a shame that in many history classes, half of the human experience is virtually ignored.This is even more apparent in terms of anthologies of documents.Nancy Woloch has made an outstanding contribution in correcting this in her _Early American Women_.

The book is marvelous in the wide variety of documents it contains.There is census data from Spanish California, accounts of Iroquois women in government, oral histories of slaves (and mistresses), and some really fabulous material on the 19th century sufferage movement.The voices of women from all social classes can be heard here, from the colonial era to the Progressive period.It is very well rounded, and I will certainly be including it as a part of my curriculum.

The only short-coming I find in the book is its lack of statistical and visual documents.With this minor criticism said, I highly recommend this book to educators, especially those in the discipline of history.

a valuable resource
I read this book for my first women's studies course in college.The documents presented here provide interesting illustrations of women's lives and work and of ideas and conventions about women's roles in Americansociety.It is a valuable resource for academics and teachers, and aninteresting read for everyone else. ... Read more

Product Description
This is volume one of a five volume set.

This history published by Wilson while he was still President of Princeton University.Intended as a comprehensive history, the narrative is brought from the era before the European settlers to the beginning of the 20th century.It is a comprehensive political and economic study of America, and is profusely illustrated with portraits, maps, plans, facsimiles, and views.Even without Wilson's position as later President of the U.S., this book is important as one of the standard U.S. history texts of the first quarter of the 20th century. ... Read more

Product Description
THIS READER WILL PROVIDE A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF THE CREATING AND SHAPING OF THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION. KAMMEN WILL TELL THE STORY OF THE CONSTITU- TION THROUGH THE DOCUMENTS THAT INFLUENCED AND INTERPRETED IT; THE POLITICAL PAMPHLETS, WHERE MANY OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES WERE FIRST ADDRESSED, THE WRITINGS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS AND THE WRITTEN RECORDS OF VARIOUS DEBATES. THIS READER WILL INCLUDE SELECTIONS FROM "THE FEDERALIST PAPERS, THE ANTI- FEDERALIST PAPERS", MADISON'S NOTES ON THE PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION OF 1787, DEBATES IB STATE RATIFYING CONVENTIONS AS WELL AS CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MADISON, JEFFERSON, ADAMS AND OTHERS AT THE TIME OF THE DRAFTING AND IN REFLECTION YEARS LATER. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great!
The book came exactly as it was described. The shipping took a little longer than my other standard shipping items, but other than that, no problems at all. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A reasonable sample of professional historians' writing...
I am not an historian, but I bought this anthology to learn more about how modern American historians are writing, and what they are considering.I enjoyed the book.

On the other hand, with the writers' concerns about voice, position, power, gender, etc., on the construction of historical knowledge, I did find it uncomfortably self-conscious, and the disclaimers of (or acknowledgement of) (potential) biases a bit tedious.

I came to the conclusion that these are not "popular" history essays.That is, there is no Doris Kearns Goodwin or David What'shis Name.These essays were written by professional historians for other professional historians.The writing was interesting, nonetheless. ... Read more

Product Description
It is impossible to understand America without understanding the history of African Americans. In nearly seven hundred entries, the Encyclopedia of African American History, 1619-1895 documents the full range of the African American experience during that period - from the arrival of the first slave ship to the death of Frederick Douglass - and shows how all aspects of American culture, history, and national identity have been profoundly influenced by the experience of African Americans.

The Encyclopedia covers an extraordinary range of subjects. Major topics such as "Abolitionism," "Black Nationalism," the "Civil War," the "Dred Scott case," "Reconstruction," "Slave Rebellions and Insurrections," the "Underground Railroad," and "Voting Rights" are given the in-depth treatment one would expect. But the encyclopedia also contains hundreds of fascinating entries on less obvious subjects, such as the "African Grove Theatre," "Black Seafarers," "Buffalo Soldiers," the "Catholic Church and African Americans," "Cemeteries and Burials," "Gender," "Midwifery," "New York African Free Schools," "Oratory and Verbal Arts," "Religion and Slavery," the "Secret Six," and much more. In addition, the Encyclopedia offers brief biographies of important African Americans - as well as white Americans who have played a significant role in African American history - from Crispus Attucks, John Brown, and Henry Ward Beecher to Olaudah Equiano, Frederick Douglass, Sarah Grimké, Sojourner Truth, Nat Turner, Phillis Wheatley, and many others.

All of the Encyclopedia's alphabetically arranged entries are accessibly written and free of jargon and technical terms. To facilitate ease of use, many composite entries gather similar topics under one headword. The entry for Slave Narratives, for example, includes three subentries: The Slave Narrative in America from the Colonial Period to the Civil War, Interpreting Slave Narratives, and African and British Slave Narratives. A headnote detailing the various subentries introduces each composite entry. Selective bibliographies and cross-references appear at the end of each article to direct readers to related articles within the Encyclopedia and to primary sources and scholarly works beyond it. A topical outline, chronology of major events, nearly 300 black and white illustrations, and comprehensive index further enhance the work's usefulness. ... Read more

Product Description

"More people learn about history in movies theaters and by watching television than in classrooms, much to the consternation of many educators. Now Peter Rollins has edited a much-needed one-volume state-of-the-art introduction to how movies depict the past. As editor of the interdisciplinary journalFilm & History, Rollins is perfectly situated to marshal together scholars from a wide assortment of disciplines& mdash;American studies, communication, English, film, and history& mdash;around a common interest. Written with authority and a refreshing diversity of viewpoints,The Columbia Companion to American History on Film maps out many of the country's more important historical markers, stopping periodically to reconsider and analyze screen versions of America's more notable people, places, institutions, and myths. Reading through this volume is a lot like taking a round trip across the vast expanse of our nation's rich cultural heritage. Well researched and brimming with insights,The Columbia Companion to American History on Film perceptively illustrates how filmmakers have used stories involving historical figures and events to clarify the present and imagine the future for literally tens of millions of viewers over the last century." -- Gary R. Edgerton, Professor of Communication and Theatre Arts at Old Dominion University and coeditor of the Journal of Popular Film and Television

Customer Reviews (1)

Covers a huge range of subject.
Above all else the movies have to entertain. When they make movies about historical events, sometimes the movies are able to do an adequate, truthful story about what happened. At other times the story gets so 'Hollywooded' that any representation to the original event is purely coincidental. Sometimes there's a meeting point inbetween that you'd never guess.

Example: in 'The Flying Tigers,' there's a love story intermixed with the fighting. A nurse that was with them was asked if there was any truth to this at all. She replied, well, I was over there, there was this very good looking pilot. Why shouldn't there be relationships between young adults inbetween the fighting.

Another good example is the difference between the two 'Memphis Belle' movies. The 1944 documentary was dramatic as well as exciting. The 1990 version was so 'Hollywood' as to be silly.

This book breaks down American history into subject areas such as Eras, Wars, Notable People, Crime and the Mafia, Baseball, and many more. In each of these sections the book discusses the major films that apply. ... Read more