The Gilded Age: Perspectives on the Origins of Modern America

by Charles W. Calhoun (Editor), Eric Arnesen (Contributor), Robert G. Barrows (Contributor)

The United States that entered the twentieth century was vastly different from the nation that emerged from the Civil War. Industrialization, mass immigration, the growing presence of women in the work force, and the rapid advance of the cities had transformed American society.

Broad in scope, The Gilded Age brings together sixteen original essays that offer lively syntheses of modern scholarship while making their own interpretive arguments. These engaging pieces allow students to consider the various societal, cultural and political factors that make studying the Gilded Age crucial to our understanding of America today. Charles W. Calhoun connects all of these essays with a comprehensive introduction that places each article in an understandable historical context. For the second edition of this successful book, each essay was revised and three new pieces have been added that explore technology, consumerism, intellectual life, and race in late nineteenth century America.

Genres: History, Politics, American History

402 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Charles W. Calhoun is an American historian and professor at East Carolina University. He holds a BA from Yale University and a PhD from Columbia University. He serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era and resides in Greenville, North Carolina.

Reviews

[rzells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational and just the sort of book I needed to do in depth research on this era

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of scholarly essays, written in the 1990s, that look at the period after the Civil War and how it set the stage for modern America. It is very well-researched and well-written, although it seemed to jump from topic to topic, and was very detailed in each essay, such that I found it hard to follow in some places. It definitely has a lot for the casual reader of American history, but also much more for those who are well versed in the time period.

[Erin Moonyeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instrumental in understanding how American imperialism has embroiled us in contemporary conflicts.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a collection of essays from a wide range of prolific authors, 'The Gilded Age' serves as a great text offering insight and various perspectives on the birth and origins of the golden era of the United States. From topics such as religion, politics, racial tensions, and labor unions, the essays are comprehensive and tactile in their approach. A must have text for engaging reading for any person who is intrigued by the Gilded Age.

Brent M. McCulley (10/17/13)

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gilded Age is an excellent collection of essays by various authors. The topical scope is comprehensive, and the essays are well-written. A must for anyone curious about late 19th century America.

[David Withun · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Martin Calhoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, a period of U.S. history I am not so familiar with.

[Molly Hocanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in the Gilded Age in America.