The Story of the West: A History of the American West and Its People

by Robert M. Utley

Book Overview

The Story of the West brings to life the historical figures behind the legends with photos, objects, paintings, and drawings from the Smithsonian's collection. Contributors include: James P. Ronda,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789496607
• ISBN13: 9780789496607
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: DK Publishing (Dorling Kindersley)
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 4.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 10.3" x 12.2"

Customer Reviews

The Perfect Old West Book

The book is extensive, and loaded with pictures, most in color, making it suitable for any age group.Goodwill as a vendor did an excellent job of describing the book, packaging it well, and shipping it quickly. I highly recommend both Goodwill and "The West".

The story of the West

I just lovedthis book. I live in Mexico, and I have always learned the Mexican history, its conquest, and everything focused on Mexico, but this book opened myself to a wider kmowledge. It is well organized. It has lots of pictures, maps, timeline parts which are appreciated and make myself understand better what we are talking about. Great book.

The wild wonderful west

Professor Glenda Riley includes a chapter on Mythologizing the West and tells us, "The Golden West remained a land of opportunity in the popular mind." Having lived in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, I believe it continues to be the Wild Wonderful West. The artwork is excellent. I have praise for the high quality colored maps illustrating the growing United States and the shrinking Indian domains; the colorful drawings of paddle-wheel riverboats and Indian life; the black and white photographs of early settlers, Pueblo Indians, and Navajo code talkers; and color photos of Las Vegas slot machines and the Grand Canyon.

Fascinating History of the West

"From the emergence of pre-Columbian civilizations more than 12,000 years ago to the urban West of today, this is the only book to recount the compete history of the West. Gripping eyewitness accounts, striking photographs, and archive materials are combined with absorbing narrative to produce a fascinating and truly comprehensive portrait of the real American West." ~back cover "The Story of The West" is an authoritative reference that documents six distinct periods in Western history and highlights the human drama that has shaped this fascinating region. 1. The West Before Columbus Prehistory - 1500 This covers the early Native American cultures, the land and its resources, the people, the changing west and tribal relations. 2. Spain in the West 1500-1800 A section detailing three centuries of Spanish influence, the founding of New Mexico, Mariners and Missionaries, Spanish Gains in the 1690s, and the West during the American Revolution. 3. The Winds of Change 1800-1840 U.S. Presence in the West, The Imperial West, Mapping the West, The Contest for Louisiana, Lewis and Clark Expedition, Empires of the Mind and Commotion in the Southwest. This chapter contains information on the Trail of Tears. 4. The Eagle Screams 1840-1865 Exploration and Migration, the Great Westward Migration, The Great Reconnaissance, The West in the American mind. 5. The West Subdued 1865-1900 Indian Wars, The Railroad Web, Federal Innovations, Development Run Rampant, Problems and Politics and Mythologizing the West. 6. The Contemporary West 1900 to the Present The New West, the development of the oil industry, Hollywood, ethnic diversity and prominent figures like Walt Disney and George Bush. Covers areas like the Growing Economy (1900-1930), Politics and People, The 1920s, The West in the Great Depression, World War II, and Dreams vs. Reality. The "Old West" of frontier times fascinates many Americans and scholars and the general public have become even more interested in researching this area of history. Robert M. Utley has devoted himself to historical research and writing. He specializes in the history of the American West and frequently appears on TV programs about the West. He specializes in: The myth of the "old west" The unique pre-history of the western states The diverse ethnic populations who helped pioneer the west The pioneering spirit that helped to shape the west You can read about the ancestors of the Native Americans, Spanish conquistadors, fur-trapping, cowpunchers, mountain men, gunslingers, and Indian war leaders. There are also first-hand accounts from diaries, speeches, newspapers and letters. Quotes are sprinkled throughout the pages. There are many maps, pictures, paintings, artifacts, sketches and other visual material that makes this book very enjoyable to read. I was especially interested in the information about making chocolate and there is a picture of a woman pouring chocolate to create a foamy drink. Dr. Utley also put

A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOLARSHIP

Not only Americans but people throughout the world continue to be fascinated by the history of and stories about our "Old West." Beautifully and generously illustrated this comprehensive volume offers a close-up view of this territory and its people. A veteran of the National Park Service and an accomplished historian, Robert Utley offers readers the opportunity to explore six periods in our Western past, enriched with voices heard in diaries, letters, speeches, and newspapers. Opening with those who peopled this area long before Native Americans, some 12,000 years ago, we begin our journey. We learn that prehistoric Indians were not meat eaters, hunters, but rather cultivators. In fact, pumpkins and gourds were grown in Mexico some 7000 years ago. Of course, one of the most important inventions in very early times was the bow and arrow. The years of the Spanish conquistadors are traced as well as the mountain men, cowboys and gun slingers until we touch the hem of the modern West. "The Story of the West" is a valuable contribution to scholarship as well as a source of enjoyment and enlightenment for lay readers. - Gail Cooke