Retracing the Past: Readings in the History of the American People, Volume I (To 1877)

by Gary B. Nash, Ronald B. Schultz

Retracing the Past is an engaging collection of both primary and secondary sources that emphasizes social history and cultural diversity. The anthology leads students to consider the role of women, ethnic/racial groups, and laboring Americans in weaving the nation's social fabric, and allows them to explore life at the individual and community level. It also introduces students to individuals and groups who made a critical difference in shaping American history. This edition extends its reach to cover the question of diversity more fully, incorporating it into the political and social history of the United States.

Genres: History

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1990

About the author

Gary B. Nash was a distinguished American historian known for his scholarship on the American Revolutionary era, slavery, and the experiences of marginalized communities in shaping early U.S. history. A graduate of Princeton University, where he earned both his undergraduate and doctoral degrees, Nash also served in the U.S. Navy before embarking on an academic career. He taught at Princeton and then at UCLA, where he became a full professor and later held key administrative roles focused on educational development.
Nash's work highlighted the roles of working-class individuals, African Americans, Native Americans, and women in the nation's founding, challenging traditional narratives centered solely on elite figures. His inclusive approach often sparked debate, notably with historian Edmund Morgan, who questioned the broader impact of the grassroots movements Nash emphasized.
Beyond academia, Nash was instrumental in shaping history education in the United States. He co-directed the development of the National History Standards and led the National Center for History in the Schools. A past president of the Organization of American Historians, he was also a member of numerous esteemed scholarly societies. Throughout his career, Nash authored or contributed to dozens of influential books, articles, and essays that left a lasting mark on the field.