The West: An Illustrated History Paperback – Illustrated, October 2, 2003
Thumbnail 1

The West: An Illustrated History Paperback – Illustrated, October 2, 2003

4.7/5
Product ID: 281088257
Secure Transaction
Frequently Bought Together

Description

Full description not available

Reviews

4.7

All from verified purchases

V**R

It’s worth twice what you pay -

Every picture tells a story just like they say.

I**R

An excellent book, sent to me in sub-standard condition.

But for my dismal experience with the quality of the book I paid for, as explained below, I would have joined the vast majority of reviewers who have given this book a 5 star rating. It is a great combination of a coffee table photo-essay book, with some well-written text, interrupted occasionally, as one the reviewers has noted, by some sub-mediocre essays by guest writers, most of which added little. I would imagine that anyone interested in the book would have a general awareness that not all of those who settled the West were simple yeomen, and that the military forces which were occasionally pressed into service punishing the Indians for not getting out of the way of the oncoming tides of settlers were not all Harvard educated gentlemen. As was I. Nonetheless it is appalling to read report after report of the repeated U.S. violations of agreements and treaties with various Indian tribes. As one reads of this, it's hard to avoid recognizing that what we did back in the 1800's is much the same as what other countries are doing today to their minority groups. We certainly are no in a position to be casting many stones, which doesn't seem to stop us from doing so.. For that alone the book is well worth reading.My negative. I bought the hard cover book in order to get the pictures. They are great, and well worth the additional price. What I learned, however, is that the order was apparently fulfilled from sort of cooperating vendor who appears to have found the copy I received on the kitchen table near the ketchup bottle and half-consumed Cokes, parts of the contents of which were found on pictures in the book. Pristine it sure wasn't. I have notified Amazon of this, but so far heard nothing from them or the fulfillment house.Given this, I would still recommend the hard cover, but I would strongly recommend a thorough inspection and prompt rejection of any copy that shows signs of abuse.My three star rating is entirely

D**R

a well-balanced introduction to the West

To the Native Americans, it was home. To Spanish Mexico, it was the north. To the British and French in Canada, it was the south. To the Russians and Chinese, it was the east. "But it was the Americans - the last to arrive - who named it the West and then made it part of their nation." Dayton Duncan's "The West" tells the story of how the United States fulfilled its manifest destiny to extend all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The story begins with native peoples but they soon find the first Spanish who entered the region looking for the Seven Cities of Gold. Lewis and Clark's expeditions are documented along site the Mexican-American War. There is a close look at the cowboy. Duncan explores the new economics of mining and ranching. Along with the everyday life of settlers, the impact of the Civil War is explored. The life of requisite figures such as Sam Clements, Sam Houston, General Custer and Sitting Bull are covered. The title covers the brutality that was directed at the Native Americans. Treatment of this topic proves to be one of the book's shining strengths. Indeed, many histories gloss over this dynamic of the region. Dayton Duncan's writing formula is that he introduces a large historical movement and then gives a personalized account. This technique is very effective. As "An Illustrated History for Children," this is intended for younger readers. Were it not for the power of suggestion held in the subtitle, the book would seem perfect for almost any reader. Given the writing style and historical photographs, this book may better appeal to more mature readers. The notion of a children's companion to  the PBS series  is in itself a bit odd since the Ken Burns series had no appeal to younger viewers. Regardless, the book shares the show's thematic organization and sensibility. In the end, "The West: An Illustrated History for Children" is a well-balanced and thoughtful overview of the Western experience.

A**R

A Much Needed Honest Look at the history of the West.

Contrary to the feeling of the previous reviewer, I feel this is exactly why my children love The West series. Children can appreciate the depiction of real people, real struggles, and real events in real places. I am so thankful that I found this title at the library this week. When we renew our study of US history in the fall, this will provide an excellent spine for review. In many ways, Duncan shows how this is a study in world history, to some extent. This is not Little House on the Prarie, by any means. The complexity of what happens dring the growth of a nation is handled very well. The reliance on primary sources, combined with a generous bibliography at the end of the book, should attract parents (and home school families) who value the input of those that were there and describe the experience in their own words. There is a great amount of heartache. It did not leave me with a desire to wave Old Glory and celebrate the "manifest destiny" mindset. Neither does it condemn all European Americans and glorify all others. This is an excellent book, and can be read easily by an adult in a few sittings and is worth the time to read aloud with the children.

E**2

A treasure for your library

Mr. Duncan delivers a beautiful book that is well written, easy to read, and what a nice way to spend an evening with some kids, too.

R**H

Five Stars

Good value. Thanks

J**Y

Major coffee table book with great stories and photos from the old west

Major coffee table book with great stories and photos from the old west, I am still slowly making my way through it and it may take some time. This is not something you read from cover to cover but I can tell I will enjoy it for years.

M**.

Exceptional illustrated book about the American West

This is an important book about the early history of the United States. It is a good stand-alone and companion to Ken Burns' film series, also to any number of excellent books written about the American West. Beautifully illustrated of course. In his films and books Ken Burns always reveals much about who we are.

R**B

Excellent book for those interested in the history of the West.

Bought this for husband as he had seen it in a holiday cottage. He was delighted.

A**R

Excellent read

Excellent read

A**R

Very good book

One of the best illustrated books on the wild west Thanks to Amazon for making book available

S**Y

Five Stars

i just received it this morning and so far it is very interesting thank you

W**N

great volume

I bought this book mainly for the photographs,and there are some great ones,it was a great price and has given me so much enjoyment.a fabulous book if you like the american west.

Common Questions

Trustpilot

TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

Anjali K.

The product quality is outstanding. Exactly what I needed for my work.

1 month ago

Ravi S.

I loved the variety of products available. Will definitely shop again.

2 months ago

Shop Global, Save with Desertcart
Value for Money
Competitive prices on a vast range of products
Shop Globally
Serving over 300 million shoppers across more than 200 countries
Enhanced Protection
Trusted payment options loved by worldwide shoppers
Customer Assurance
Trusted payment options loved by worldwide shoppers.
Desertcart App
Shop on the go, anytime, anywhere.
988 Kč

Duties & taxes incl.

Czech Republicstore
1
Free Returns

30 daysfor PRO membership users

15 dayswithout membership

Secure Transaction

Trustpilot

TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

Ayesha M.

The product exactly matches the description. Very satisfied with my purchase.

5 days ago

Ali H.

Fast shipping and excellent packaging. The Leatherman tool feels very premium and sturdy.

1 day ago

The West An Illustrated History Paperback Illustrated October 2 2003 | Desertcart Czech Republic