Women and the American Experience

by Nancy Woloch

This comprehensive synthesis of women's history from the 17th century to the present draws on the past four decades of scholarship in the field. The book's unique dual-chapter format pairs a narrative "episode" that vividly evokes a particular individual or event with a synthesis chapter that places each episode carefully within its broader historical context. This pairing of the concrete and specific with the general and historic creates a richly compelling reading experience.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Psychology, Reference, Research, Feminism, Womens

640 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1984

Reviews

[Charaity Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. The chapters flowed easily into each "experience" and was well researched. Native American women and their experiences are lacking coverage once the timeline moves past colonialization and the American Revolutionary War. This could be due to lack of research/primary sources and/or because they were so far removed from any "American" experience that it excluded them from being included in the text. Overall, it's worth the read for anyone interested in the history of women here in the United States.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book it was for my Women's History class many years ago. My granddaughter needed some information for her AP class, so I picked it up to see if it could help her. Once I started I just kept reading. I found so many things I missed the first time. It is a wonderful source of information. I would suggest anyone interested in the accomplishments women have made for our country pick it up. You would be amazed at the wealth of information.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text was originally purchased as a college text requirement- it's classic and well worth the time as it encompasses the female experience throughout history. I reviewed, and passed to my daughter. This is a classic worth laying eyes on at least once.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting take on women in American History.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as textbook for WOMEN IN U. S. HISTORY course.

[kylajaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my Women in U.S. History class. The later chapters about the 1920s and beyond were most fascinating for me. Unfortunately, suffrage and the 1800s take up most of this book. I know we are living history, so there isn't as much to be said for recent times, but what interests me the most are the times we are living right now. I've read enough about suffrage to last the rest of my life. That said, for an academic book, this one has many interesting parts, though I can't imagine anyone reading this for fun.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a bit dry at times, overall I think Woloch does a good job in a concise book intended as textbook to try to present two sides of controversial issues, and often cite at least one scholar in that area.

[Elizabeth]

hardcover with dustjacket different cover knopf 1984 very good condition

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe I read the whole thing! Some of this was tedious, but there were informative bits, too.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uneven collection of readings and primary source documents on the history of women in U.S. It does not do justice to conservative women thinkers.

[Amy]

Read chapters 1-4