The American Nation: Primary Sources contains a selection of the most important primary documents within the period from the beginning of the civil war up until America's entrance into World War II. It is a companion book to the first volume titled, The American Republic, which covered the first eight decades of US history. Accompanying the documents there is a minimum amount of commentary in order to establish the context. Bruce Frohnen deliberately does not promote any particular ideology, but rather presents the documents from both sides of the political debates of the time. During the period of American History covered there were many significant debates that have shaped the nations character. A few of the issues covered by the documents in this volume include, the civil war, civil rights cases, immigration policy, woman's suffrage, socialism etc. As far as the types of primary sources, there are many legal documents, acts, bills, amendments, proclamations, annual reports, inaugural addresses, speeches and some photographs included.

This book is not one to read cover to cover but it is a great resource to have on hand. Reading the original words enables you to capture the true nature of the ideas without the bias of a commentators interpretation. This book is obviously an invaluable resource for students, but I would also argue that it is an interesting read for anyone even mildly interested in American history. I have also found it to be an instructive companion when reading historical fiction set in America. When I got this book I had recently finished reading The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff, a historical fiction featuring the issue of polygamy in the Mormon church. It was interesting to discover the documents pertaining to this issue when it was debated in the Supreme Court in the late 1800's. I highly recommend The American Nation: Primary Sources for anyone interested in America history and government. I love the way they used to use the English language. Some of the sentences are so long I have to go over them numerous times to get the gist of what they are saying. I definitely want to get the other volumes.… (meer)

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Jemima79 | 1 andere bespreking | Aug 2, 2009 |

AMERICAN NATION, THE: PRIMARY SOURCES door BRUCE FROHNEN

Deze bespreking was geschreven voorLibraryThing lid Weggevers.

Wonderfully written. Informative. I learned so much from this book. There is so much information that I was never taught in college. I think this book is so interesting. Bruce Frohnen diserves kudos for his workmanship! Thanks for writing it!

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podoville | 1 andere bespreking | Jul 22, 2009 |

American Conservatism: An Encyclopedia

A wonderful reference for the defining movement in US politics the last half of the twentieth century. There are very few things missing, the articles are concise and helpful. An excellent book.