Customer Reviews

The American People: Creating a Nation and a Society, Vol. 1: To 1877 - 7th Edition (Book only)

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I have been teaching U.S. history at a few colleges and universities in Chicago and its suburbs for the past five years. This is the textbook that I have invariably assigned in the time; in fact, as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the late nineties, it was the text that my mentor used in the U.S. survey class in which I apprenticed for her. I have found that my students are generally enthusiastic about this textbook's focus on "ordinary" Americans, like themselves, who, as the book reminds them, make the history of our nation, as the elites have always done, usually by going about their daily lives. Thus, Nash/Jeffrey, et al, examine the effects of some critical historical developments (such as the American Revolution; the emergence of the Market Economy during the Early Republic; the long-running intersectional coflicts over the continued existence of and the often-advocated extension of American black slavery; and, the significant role played by the self-made, visionary President Abraham Lincoln in managing the Union's ultimate victory in the U.S. Civil War) on the average Americans who participated in them. Moreover, the authors attempt to show that non-elite Americans have often actively shaped their own destinies, and not just passively allowed the powers-that-be to manipulate them (think: the Regulator Movement of North Carolina's Backcountry in 1766; the Whiskey Rebellion and Shay's Rebellion after the Revolution, both waged by average Americans out to safeguard their independence from what they perceived as governmentally-perpetrated tyranny; the manner in which many Americans, as a result of the First Great Awakening, just threw out their tradition of submission and deference to their alleged "betters"; and, the way that ordinary white laborers and farmers voted with their feet, and set out over the Appalachians in the 1780s and on to both find land and to get away from their landlords, creditors and employers in the eastern states). This particular text's unique perspective reinforces my own claim, always made to the students at our very first class-meeting each semster, that the history of the U.S. is not simply a record of the so-called illustrious achievements of elite Americans (people to whom many students have trouble relating, let alone caring much about) that must be memorized, rather, that it is also, truthfully, the collective story of all of our families.

I used Amazon for the first time when I ordered the book. They offered a membership and said if i signed up I would get my book in 3 days or something like that. It took almost 3 weeks!! My class had started but at least I didnt pay $90 for the book!

I purchased this book for a History class. The actual required book was very expensive, so I took a chance on this Vango Version of it. It worked out very well. All the pertinent information spoken of in class was in there - word for word. I didn't find it lacking in any area for assignments. This book is easy to read, in larger-type letter for those of us who need it, and saves you a lot of money over the regular textbook of the same name. I highly recommend it.

It's a great book at a reasonable price. It's not only a history book but a cultural critic also. In case overstating American undoubtable performance, this book tries to figure out what caused the US look today and also gave some critics of racism, dscrimniation on domestic problems. It's a wonderful book to help us understand to American history and people and is abundant of readable pics and supplements. I think it's valuable for every one to have it.

If you wish to learn America's history this is the best option available in the market.

I am very satisfied with my purchase, it was well packed, the product was in a good condition, and arrived safely at my house.

Only a few pages with marks; rare and barely noticeable creases.. Over all a amazing buy- should be able to resell for close to same price.