The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History, Vol. 1: Atlantic America, 1492-1800 (Paperback) [Paperback]

D. W. Meinig (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300038828 | ISBN-13: 978-0300038828 | Publication Date: July 27, 1988

This study discusses how an immense diversity of ethnic and religious groups became sorted into a set of distinct regional societies in North America.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Meinig has written a major scholarly work with this first volume in a projected three-volume study . . . a fresh look at history," wrote PW of this examination into the geographical nuances, political upheavals and historical phenomena that created America. Illustrated.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In the second volume of this series exploring geographical influences on American history, following the first, Atlantic America ( LJ 8/86), Meinig, a geographer at Syracuse University, attempts to form a synthesis of the American story and of the movement of racial and national groups across the land. The work is a narrative history, spanning 1800 through the Civil War; it emphasizes the expansion of the United States, especially the role Jefferson played in acquiring the Louisiana Purchase. The theme is not new, but the author marshals considerable secondary material to support his theories. Unfortunately, this is determinist history penned in pedestrian prose. What makes the work unusual is its emphasis on geography as a major force in U.S. history. Although certainly not a first choice for a basic history of America, this would still be a necessary purchase for academic libraries.
- Jamie S. Hansen, Univ. of South Carolina, Columbia
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (July 27, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300038828
• ISBN-13: 978-0300038828
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent thesis impeccably carried out, October 22, 1999

By 

Richard L. Goldfarb (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History, Volume 3: Transcontinental America, 1850-1915 (Hardcover)

Each of the three volumes of Meinig's history finished so far has simply whet my appetite for the next. This third volume is that much sharper and better-focused than the prior two, making it an unforgettable experience to read. From how the experience of settling Oregon differed from Utah or California, to the way the choice of where railroads were laid affected both patterns of settlement and ecology, to how the relationship between U.S. railroads and European steamship lines affected patterns of settlement by different ethnic groups, he is always enlightening. This is a book that will change how you look at the country and how you look at history. I can't recommend it enough.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic innovative perspective on American history, March 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History, Vol. 1: Atlantic America, 1492-1800 (Paperback) (Paperback)

Meinig's literary style makes this book on American historical geography interesting and very "readable". I would highly recommend the Shaping of America series for the geographer, history buff or anyone just interested in a new perspective on the evolution of the United States.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Learning Experience., August 31, 2002

By 

DeeK "Futurist Historian Astrologer" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shaping of America: A Geographical Perspective on 500 Years of History, Vol. 1: Atlantic America, 1492-1800 (Paperback) (Paperback)

From the very start Mr. Meinig teaches the reader, even learned ones, a new way of seeing how America was settled. His perspctive includes all members of the societies which he covers. While the book is very factual, it is written in such a way that it opens ones imagination. By using a geographical viewpoint, you are able to 'see' the topics he covers. My only criticism is that he does not reference his quotes in a traditional manner, though a quick perusal of the bibliography shows they are valid. Once you realize that he includes an extensive list of sources, this concern disappears. I recommend this to anyone who wants to discover more about the discovery of our land.