American Realities: Historical Episodes from First Settlements to the Civil War, Volume 1

by J. William T. Youngs

Designed as a secondary source reader for introductory-level survey courses in American History. American Realities : Historical Episodes from First Settlements to the Civil War, Volume 1, 8/e a best-selling collection of secondary sources, integrates the lives of Americans with their respective time periods, and depicts a diverse American experience that challenges the students' preconceived notions of history. This edition includes new scholarship and revised, more streamlined writing in existing chapters. The clarity of the author's unique, anecdotal writing style successfully engages students in an exploration of memorable historical characters and significant events.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took classes with Dr. Youngs and it was there I learned about Capt. William Wheeler and the 13th NY Artillery. Some of my research about Capt. Wheeler was included in the 3rd edition, and future editions, of the series. It was from this start that my own book on the 13th NY Artillery was written.

It should be remembered that Dr. Youngs has his biases and that not everything is included or discussed about the people he is dealing with. That said, it is a good survey of each era that is being written about. I'd recommend checking it out from the library rather than buying it first.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to use this for my US Survey course. This gives my students short episodes in early American history that give them a sense of what life was like for early Americans. Easy to read, with important id terms and study questions. I found a few mistakes- for instance we know that Sergeant Floyd died of an appendicitis during the Lewis and Clark expedition- but overall I found it informative and historically current.