Westward Expansion: An Eyewitness History (Eyewitness History Series) - Hardcover

Westward expansion was a major theme in 19th-century America, and Wexler tells its story through excerpts from diaries, letters, reports, and other documents of those who lived it. The organization is chronological throughout, even to the order of the excerpts, but topical access is provided through the index. Each chapter contains a background essay outlining the prominent themes during that period, a chonological listing of the principal events in frontier history, and the eyewitness ac counts. The accounts are drawn not only from the writings of the well known, but also from the experiences of the ordinary settlers, and are well chosen to portray the promises and realities of the frontier. Strongly recommended as a good introduction to source material for academic and larger public libraries and as a useful document collection for high school and small public libraries.
- Stephen H. Peters, Northern Michigan Univ. Lib., Marquette
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

YA-- The search for primary sources relating to American history from 1754-1897 is made much easier with this chronologically arranged book that includes one-to-four paragraph excerpts from journals, letters, and comments from official records, speeches, and newspaper articles. The writers vary from the prominent (George Washington) to average citizens. The index will help students find material on standard topics such as battles, people, or places, but it doesn't list some of the social events or problems such as dances or droughts. Also, it refers readers to the page and not the quotation number. The appendixes contain the related official documents, short biographical sketches, and clear maps. An excellent substitute for students overwhelmed by Annals of America.
-Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.