The West: An Illustrated History for Children

To the Native Americans, it was home. To Spanish Mexico, it was the north. To the British and French in Canada, it was the south. To the Russians and Chinese, it was the east. "But it was the Americans - the last to arrive - who named it the West and then made it part of their nation." Dayton Duncan's "The West" tells the story of how the United States fulfilled its manifest destiny to extend all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The story begins with native peoples but they soon find the first Spanish who entered the region looking for the Seven Cities of Gold. Lewis and Clark's expeditions are documented along site the Mexican-American War. There is a close look at the cowboy. Duncan explores the new economics of mining and ranching. Along with the everyday life of settlers, the impact of the Civil War is explored. The life of requisite figures such as Sam Clements, Sam Houston, General Custer and Sitting Bull are covered. The title covers the brutality that was directed at the Native Americans. Treatment of this topic proves to be one of the book's shining strengths. Indeed, many histories gloss over this dynamic of the region. Dayton Duncan's writing formula is that he introduces a large historical movement and then gives a personalized account. This technique is very effective. As "An Illustrated History for Children," this is intended for younger readers. Were it not for the power of suggestion held in the subtitle, the book would seem perfect for almost any reader. Given the writing style and historical photographs, this book may better appeal to more mature readers. The notion of a children's companion to the PBS series is in itself a bit odd since the Ken Burns series had no appeal to younger viewers. Regardless, the book shares the show's thematic organization and sensibility. In the end, "The West: An Illustrated History for Children" is a well-balanced and thoughtful overview of the Western experience.