American West, The: Visions And Revisions

Description:
This is a succinct survey of the numerous contributions to the history of the American west. In the past twenty-five years historians have created a 'New Western History', which has aimed to rewrite the 'Old Western History' created around the famous Turner thesis on the significance of the American Frontier. Focusing on five main themes, this study examines and discusses the dynamics and progress of recent scholarship. Consideration is given to issues of land use, the environment, race, ethnicity, gender, business and the development of communities. Synthesising prolific research, the book offers a clear and up-to-date review for all students of American history. A full bibliography is provided for more extended study.

Table of Contents:
1. The Frontier and the West: realities, myths and the historians; 2. Lands and landscapes: occupation and ownership; 3. Peoples and migrations; 4. Making a living: early settlements and farming; 5. Making a living: non farming occupations; 6. Western communities; 7. Epilogue.

Author Biography:
Margaret Walsh is a Professor of American Economic and Social History in the School of American and Canadian Studies of the University of Nottingham.