The American Pageant: A History of the Republic

by Thomas A. Bailey, David M. Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen

Book Overview

THE AMERICAN PAGEANT enjoys a reputation as one of the most popular, effective, and entertaining texts in American history. The colorful anecdotes, first-person quotations, and trademark wit bring... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 066921051X
• ISBN13: 9780669210514
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Not Avail
• Length: 2 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Review for the American Pageant History Book Review

The book was exactly as I ordered. The pre-purchase details were exact so that I could make the best decision of which book to order. I am satisfied.

Best textbook I read in high school

I think the people who criticize this book for its flowery languages are the same people who criticize other history textbooks for being dull and dry, and so for them, any history textbook would probably fail their standards. With that said, Kennedy and Bailey successfuly make American history come alive and accessible to students with their fascinating choice of phrases and subtle humor. The book reads more like a novel than a textbook, and I have to say it significantly improved my writing and reading abilities in sophomore year high school. For those who criticize this book for lacking important facts, they should remember that this is meant to serve as an INTRODUCTION to American history, getting students acquainted with important themes rather than presenting obscure facts and statistics in rapid-fire succession. This book does not insult your intelligence by printing key terms in bold, or over-glorify the United States by beating patriotic rants into your head. It has its leftist slant, but it is meant to educate you to see the whole picture, from the perspectives of the greatest statesman to the most disenfranchised slave, the wealthiest businessman to the poorest farmer, the most honored general to the humblest soldier. For me, it was the perfect blend of praise and criticism of American history. Give this book a try and you will soon see what makes it a compelling read.

More than a Text Book

While taking AP American History at my high school I was worried about how much reading I would have to sacrifice myself to. While reading did take a good 45 minutes to an hour for each chapter in The American Pageant, it was exciting venture. Unlike most texts which are filled with flat sentences, the words used to teach history in the American Pageant bounce of the page and are filled with life. The vigor that Bailey and Kennedy bring to describing history is unlike anything I have ever seen before. History is told through metaphors and figurative language, the antithesis of almost all other text books which simply state the facts with no emotion. The enthusiasm in which the book was written rubbed of on me. I was actually excited about coming home and reading about World War I, or The Great Depression, or The Spanish-American War, or The Stormy Sixties. It was a vastly entertaining book, and, while I never thought I would say this, I am considering buying myself a copy for the years to come. The American Pageant taught me more history than anything I ever read. This fact is due to one key difference between this book and all other text books I have read: The American Pageant kept me interested. I will always remember the clever writing style and substanative information that was included in every chapter. I am forever grateful to The American Pageant for showing me the intresting and exciting side of the United State's past, and, of course, for helping me recieve outstanding grades in American History.

Simply Amazing

This book is the finest work of American history that I have ever read. It is high informative while tracing the historical currents in American politics, economics, and society. It provides superp preparation for the AP US History exam. It is a truly enjoyable book to read: a pleasant mix of wit and scholarship.

Excellent book for studying for the AP US History Exam

I use this textbook for my AP US History course and I it contains all of the information that we need for the exam. I suggest it for anyone who is taking that course