A History of Missouri (V2): Volume II, 1820 to 1860 [Paperback]

Perry McCandless (Author)

Book Description

Series: HISTORY OF MISSOURI | Publication Date: May 10, 2000

With a newly revised bibliography, A History of Missouri: Volume II, 1820 to 1860 covers the turbulent years of Missouri's adolescence—from statehood to the outset of the Civil War.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This segment of Missouri history is a fascinating time of strong leaders, of sectional conflicts within the state, and of a booming frontier economy. . . . It recounts the hectic years of fur traders and slave traders, the time of the Honey War with Iowa, the time of the persecution and harassment of the Mormons, the settlement of the Germans in mid-state, the development of improved agriculture, and through it all the pervading presence of the hot-tempered, vain, ever-preaching Thomas Hart Benton, whose personality and political power permeated the years. It is a solid book and a worthy addition to the published histories of the state."—Western Historical Quarterly

"McCandless has done an exceptional job in his treatment of the waves of immigration which swept into Missouri and the reception given to the strangers by the native inhabitants. The section devoted to the Mormons in Missouri is especially noteworthy for the well-balanced account of this chapter of the history of the state. . . . The readable style enables the general reader, as well as the scholar, to enjoy this well- balanced account of the history of Missouri."—Journal of the West

"This thoroughly researched study describes the development of Missouri from a frontier society into a diverse region torn by struggles over economic policies, slavery, and the question of its allegiance as the Civil War approached. Discussing the physical environment; the origins and character of the people; economic growth and urbanism; and literature, fine arts, and recreation, the author demonstrates a broad knowledge and deep understanding. . . . The author has unraveled the maze of Missouri politics during the 1840s and 1850s with uncommon skill."—Journal of Southern History

"The author has developed a concise and sound synthesis based on extensive research in both primary and secondary sources, and the result is a well-balanced history that describes and analyzes the social, political, and economic growth of the state."—Indiana Magazine of History

About the Author

Perry McCandless is Professor Emeritus of History at University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. He is the author of several books on Missouri history, including Missouri Then and Now, New and Enlarged Edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: University of Missouri (May 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826212867
• ISBN-13: 978-0826212863
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,223,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Older, but still useful, December 7, 2010

By 

D. E. Meerse (Raymore MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: A History of Missouri (V2): Volume II, 1820 to 1860 (Hardcover)

This volume in the History of Missouri series covers the years from 1820 (the national struggle over the admission of Missouri to the Union) to 1860 (the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, which precipitated the Civil War.) It is a good summary of economic, social, and political factors during that period which provide the background for the intense guerilla warfare that wracked the state from 1861 to 1865. The bibliography alone is worth the price of the volume for providing a thorough introduction to the scholarly research for the time covered by the volume (although it was published in 1972, so there is nearly 40 years of additional scholarly research which needs to be incorporated.) With the approaching sesquicentennial of the Civil War, this volumes begs for a reprinting with an updated bibliography (at least) and perhaps some revisions to the text itself, to reflect more recent scholarship. But still a valuable, and excellent read.