When We Were Young in the West: True Histories of Childhood

by Richard Melzer

Book Overview

Historians have considered the contributions of many groups-from outlaws and lawmen to Harvey Girls and railroaders-in the making of the modern American Southwest. But few writers have considered the unique role of children or the powerful impact this vast region of the United States has had on these youngsters through value-forming adventures as they make their transitions to adulthood. Richard Melzer has taken a large step in filling this void...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0865343381
• ISBN13: 9780865343382
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Sunstone Press
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great Book

It is amazing what children had to endure and were happy just the same. Interesting to think that this is how my ancestors probably lived.

Draws upon memoirs, oral histories, diaries, autobiographies

Written by Richard Melzer (Professor of History, University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus), When We Were Young In The West: True Stories Of Childhood draws upon memoirs, oral histories, diaries, autobiographies and more to uniquely present the roles that children played in taming the great frontier. From growing up among military folk, to working on a ranch or in the mines, to school life over a century ago, as well as the toll that wars took on young folks, When We Were Young In The West is a unique and fascinating "true-to-life" window of observation into American history -- and a very highly commended addition to personal, school, and community library American History collections.