Customer Reviews

The Oxford History of the American West

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Great reference book for high school/college educators who teach, or are a student of the American West.

This book has been a trusted overview source for my own research. The work consists of some twenty-four well written chapters prepared by leading professional historians, notably including Richard Maxwell Brown and Anne M. Butler. One need not agree with all the political and cultural perspectives presented here to appreciate the breadth and quality of the scholarship.

The one and only drawback is the use of bibliographic notes at the end of each chapter in lieu of a consolidated bibliography. That said, the chronologies, maps, tables and illustrations supplementing the text make this book a real bargain for anyone fascinated by the American West.

This is an extremeley interesting and well balanced account of the history of the American West. It covers a lot of things many people aren't aware of. Very enjoyable. You'll learn something.

Inspired by a recent trip to the Autry Western Heritage Center, I broke out my hardcover copy of this book. It did not take me long to remember why I never finished it. The over-arching theme of this "history" is that white people are racists. It should also be noted that when person is who labled a racist is a Republican, the party is mentioned. However, in the case of southern Democrats who opposed civil rights, their party is not mentioned. In short, I've spent more time writing about this than the book is worth.

You'll get instant fact poisoning and an excellent overwiew of the Wes