Of the People: A History of the United States, Volume I: To 1877

by Michael E. McGerr, Jan Ellen Lewis, James Oakes

Of the People: A History of the United States, Fourth Edition, does more than tell the history of America--of its people and places, of its dealings and ideals. It also unfolds the story of American democracy, carefully marking how this country's evolution has been anything but certain, from its complex beginnings to its modern challenges. This comprehensive survey focuses on the social and political lives of people--some famous, some ordinary--revealing the compelling story of America's democracy from an individual perspective, from across the landscapes of diverse communities, and ultimately from within the larger context of the world.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Read For School, School

648 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

Michael McGerr is an American historian working at Indiana University in the History Department, a unit of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2005 he was appointed the Paul V. McNutt Professor of American History, an endowed professorship at Indiana University. In his career, Michael McGerr has worked at MIT, Yale and Indiana University.

Reviews

[Espresso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more interested in culture than in some of the other aspects of history. It was refreshing to read a book written about people instead of dates and activities.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for history buffs and those who want to catch up on all you may have missed in history class. The narratives and personalization of history is what kept me enthralled.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this textbook doesn’t necessary cover the Native Americans enough, it still makes up for that shortcoming by showing the evolution in American culture from the colonial era to Reconstruction. How the average person did things is just as important as massive events, and this textbook recognizes that.

[Virginia Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, as a college textbook in a state school I was surprised by the focus given to our nation's Christian heritage.

[Jungshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

"US History 101" for a university student.

[Sinai C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, compared to other history textbooks, this was relaxing and quick. It was organized in a clear way, there was a lot of interesting information and it was so clean-cut. I really don't mind reading it at all, I'll look at it fondly as being a very cute and easy textbook that I'll always have if I ever need to re-learn my American history. ^,^ It's a bit sad, but there's a second book and I'm excited.