America: A Concise History [with Age of McCarthyism]

by James A. Henretta, Lynn Dumenil, David Brody

With fresh interpretations from two new authors, wholly reconceived themes, and a wealth of cutting-edge scholarship, the Fifth Edition of America: A Concise History is designed to work perfectly with the way you teach the survey today. Building on the book's hallmark strengths -- balance, explanatory power, and a brief-yet-comprehensive narrative -- as well as its outstanding full-color visuals and built-in primary sources, authors James Henretta, Rebecca Edwards, and Robert Self have shaped America into the ideal brief book for the modern survey course, at a value that can't be beat. Read the preface.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Textbooks

Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

About the author

James A. Henretta is an American historian. He is a Professor Emeritus of American History at the University of Maryland, College Park. Henretta is a Fulbright Scholar, and has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
He graduated from Swarthmore College and Harvard University.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this as my textbook for HST202 (History of the United States from the end of Reconstruction (1877), to the present) and I thought it explained everything amazingly well. Chapters are spaced out and it isn't too long or short (30 pages each.) I just wanted to say that the authors organized the information in a clear and simple way. I even recommended it to a fellow classmate who was working on some history lesson plans and thanked me for the recommendation.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a textbook and honestly, the depth/detail and this book goes into combined with the numerous centuries it covers makes this volume a bit staggering. The story of America is apparently not for the faint of heart. Reading this book is arduous. Saying that, as a result of the many editions this book has been through it's chapters are very refined. The scholarship is top. Highly recommend. This is a dark tale, tread lightly.

[David Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found my solid reference work on American History. I have always considered myself a history buff, but this book gave me a much more complete understanding of the subject. This book is a keeper. I will read it again and use it in my reference library.

[Audrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am hating this history book! Unfortunately it is required by my History class, too bad they couldn't use The Making of America by Skousen instead.

[Allison]

Its ok but could be more complete.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As humongo college textbooks go...it wasn't too shabby. Downright entertaining at places. If you're looking for a good, general US History text, this isn't a bad way to go.

[TSStechAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For required reading of a history class this one isn't too horrible. You still learn a lot. Read other books if you want more details of certain events as well. Give this one a read.

[Đào Kiên · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. It explained everything happened in the history deeply and excitingly. It makes me, a Vietnamese, love the United States more

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

History Class Textbook. I actually enjoyed reading it, and the chapter notes were helpful.