From Publishers Weekly
From Quaker rule to the devastating decline of the steel industry, Pennsylvania: A History of the Commonwealth chronicles political, cultural and economic developments that have shaped the Keystone State. Edited by Saint Joseph's University history professor Randall M. Miller and William Pencak, a historian at Pennsylvania State University, this lucid and comprehensive history includes contributions from archivists, historians and other academics on such subjects as the state's role in the Underground Railroad and the folklore of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The first part of the handsomely illustrated volume is a straightforward chronological history, while the second is divided into thematic chapters on such subjects as the geography, archeology and literature of the state.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Pennsylvanians have made their commonwealth central to the political, economic, and cultural life and history of the nation. Editors Miller (president, Pennsylvania Historical Assn.; history, St. Joseph's Univ., and an LJ reviewer) and Pencak (history, Pennsylvania State Univ.) and 15 contributors show how Pennsylvanians have "used and occupied the land, created and built communities, organized work and production and made and remade Pennsylvania as a place and an idea." Part 1, "The History," narrates Pennsylvanians from prehistoric times through the Colonial, Revolutionary, Civil War, and industrial eras to our post-industrial world. In Part 2, "Ways to Pennsylvania's Past," scholars treat the reader to the fascinating ways archaeology, architecture, art, folklore, genealogy, geography, literature, oral history, and photography have enriched our understanding of the "Keystone State." Twenty-five years since the publication of the last standard history, the editors present a new history that inspires readers to uncover their own stories. With suggested readings and a bibliography, this thoroughly enjoyable work will appeal to both lay readers and specialists. Highly recommended for area academic, public, and high school libraries.
Charles L. Lumpkins, Pennsylvania State Univ., State College Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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