The Brief American Pageant: A History of the Republic

by David M. Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, Mel Piehl

The Brief American Pageant retains the vivid chronological narrative of its full-length counterpart, focusing on the great public debates that have dominated American history. Engaging features draw students into the narrative, improving comprehension and increasing their interest in the material. "Varying Viewpoints" features explore the scholarly debates surrounding major historical issues, while "Makers of America" essays focus on the diverse ethnic, racial, and activist groups that compose America's pluralistic society.

Genres: History, American History

800 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

David Michael Kennedy is an American Pulitzer Prize-winning historian specializing in American history. He is the Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History Emeritus at Stanford University[1] and the Director of the Bill Lane Center for the American West. Professor Kennedy's scholarship is notable for its integration of economic analysis and cultural analysis with social history and political history.

Kennedy is responsible for the recent editions of the popular history textbook The American Pageant. He is also the current editor of the Oxford History of United States series. This position was held previously by C. Vann Woodward. Earlier in his career, Kennedy won the Bancroft Prize for his Birth Control in America: The Career of Margaret Sanger (1970) and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for World War I, Over Here: The First World War and American Society (1980). He won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for History for Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 (1999).

Reviews

[Vanessa Beerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read most of it, but now since I'm moving And have to check it back into the library.

[Joshua Milligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the history of the United States of America. Is blunt and factual while still relaying views of scholastic community

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read pretty much the whole book for a class. It was not easy, definitely tedious at times, but history is so amazing and important for our society to remember. Honestly, I am really glad they make you take this class. I learned a lot of important, significant and interesting stuff. I did however choke on the specifics of how the branches of government and especially how voting representation works. I still can't quite figure that all out.

[Mingzhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good concise book on American history. I learned a lot.

[Andrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad....for a history textbook.