Utah A People's History

by Dean L. May

History belongs to the people, Dean May reminds us, and must ultimately be accessible all. Based on his award-winning television series, A People's History provides a sweeping view of the state's past. From prehistory to present, May explains Utah as it is today and its promise for the future. The video series upon which this book is based is no longer available for sale.

Genres: History

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 1987

Reviews

[Carlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, balanced and reasonably-concise history of Utah. May aims to present all players in the history of Utah from multiple perspectives, showing their aims, the shortcomings most visible to those they disagreed with and the progress and abuses committed by all. He tracks the history of this land from the earliest pre-historical evidence up to the early 1980s. He alternates histories of the many native and immigrant groups to call this place home with the culture and society formed before each epochal change. He provides a wealth of secondary and primary sources for the interested reader but does a thorough enough job to leave the merely curious reader satisfied.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my Utah History class at Brigham Young University. It consists of the peoples of Utah, from the Paleo-Indians, the Anasazi and Fremont tribes, Mormon Pioneers and settlement, the fur trapping with Jim Bridger in the story, the mining and transcontinental railroad being finished here in Utah.

The book was good overall.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. May was my professor at the U and also former neighbor. He was a fun guy and has an almost folksy writing style. Since I have only ever taken one Utah history class in my life and never got it in grade school, this book has been handy to have around for the kids' assignments and stuff.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to the controversial early days of white settlement in Utah, this is one of the more balanced history books I've read.

[Sam Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read short history of Utah. Covers all of the major issues in the nineteenth century, but doesn't do too much in the twentieth century.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty comprehensive yet concise history of 19th century Utah. Quite a pleasant read for a history text book. Leaves much to be desired in the 20th century though.

[Maineguide · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great overview of Utah, from Prehistoric times to about 1980. The first 2/3rds is excellent, but the author falls far short in capturing from about 1875 on. Also, his treatment of the Mormon church, while a great overview, felt a bit biased. But, if you want a good overview on what makes Utah unique, this is a good book to learn from.