The Brief American Pageant: A History of the Republic, Volume I: To 1877

the book was in better shape than i thought it was going to be in. great buy

The book was exactly as I ordered. The pre-purchase details were exact so that I could make the best decision of which book to order. I am satisfied.

We use this book--along with the second volume, which covers from 1865 and on--in my high school AP U.S. History class along with the American Pageant. While The American Pageant can be a bit vague at times, The American Spirit gets straight to the point--and then immediately on to the first-hand historical documents, many of which are fascinating. A good resource for US history courses.

The American Spirit is meant to accompany The American Pageant but it may also be used as a standalone history text. However, any user familiar with The American Pageant will not see a repeat in The American Spirit. Nothing, in the first edition, except the front and back covers is in color and there is a significantly reduced number of pictures and cartoons compared to the American Pageant. Therefore, the work is aesthetically challenged, yet the content, arguably the more important qualification of the book, remains top shelf. The entire content of this work is primary source material culled from a wide gamut of locations. Most of the material found in earlier editions of The American Spirit is either difficult to find or no longer in print and would require an extensive library manhunt to locate. Bailey uses editorials, letters, and essays written by prominent figures such as presidents, first ladies, and other persons directly involved in the historical topics mentioned in this book. The lengths are kept short so they may be supplemental to the same or like topics mentioned in The American Pageant without being burdensome and a chore. Most students will find these original sources interesting and captivating. Teachers, especially those at the high school level, should have no difficulty integrating this work into any American history course

This book provides wonderful sources for the middle school classroom. As an 8th grade social studies teacher I would be lost without this book. It provides a great balance for the textbook, and brings history alive for students. Some sources are advanced, but many can be used in an inclusive classroom setting. A perfect choice for any teacher of early American history.