When it appeared in 1949; the first edition of Ray Allen Billington's Westward Expansion set a new standard for scholarship in western American history; and the book's reputation among historians; scholars; and students grew through four subsequent editions. This abridgment and revision of Billington and Martin Ridge's fifth edition; with a new introduction and additional scholarship by Ridge; as well as an updated bibliography; focuses on the Trans-Mississippi frontier. Although the text sets out the remarkable story of the American frontier; which became; almost from the beginning; an archetypal narrative of the new American nation's successful expansion; the authors do not forget the social; environmental; and human cost of national expansion. While most Americans take pride in the nation's frontier heritage and its associated myths; they also share that history with others--especially with people of color--in whose collective memories the story of the American west is rendered both dark and painful. Westward Expansion encourages an understanding of American "westering" that is mindful of the racism and excessive nationalism that frequently marred the Western frontier experience. At the same time; the authors understand a sense of optimism; a profound faith in individuals' own abilities; the willingness to innovate; and an abiding trust in democracy to be the transcendent values of the frontier experience; traits that continue to influence the character of America's people long after the close of the western frontier.
#1227385 in Books Garrard; Alec 2001-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.72 x .53 x 7.94l; 1.25 #File Name: 082542697996 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Splendor of the TempleBy R. HernandezFor those of you who are interested in old archeological times and histories; this books for you. Written by Mr. Alec Garrard; he gives you a backstory from the time of King Solomon's first temple and to the Babylonian destruction to the return of the Jews to Israel after the Persian victory. He gives you step by step time frames and a chronological timeline of it's entire history even up to muslim rule and finally to the rebirth of the state of Israel. Plenty of pictures on almost every page with closeups and his own miniature scale model of Herod's temple and temple mount built from years of research and investigation. The man constructed every tiny brick in his family's ceramic ovens to complete his rendition of Herod's temple. Excellent; thorough book on the Jewish temple!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding Information about Herod's TempleBy Charles B. RibbleThis book has the most complete information about Herod's Temple that I have ever seen. The information that wasgathered by Alex Garrard allowed him to build a fantastic model of this Temple. I would recommend this book to anyonethat would like to more about this Temple. This book is a must for Bible Scholars and anyone that would like to knowmore about the life of the Jewish Religion during the time of Jesus Christ on Earth.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. a model example of a building which no longer existsBy Brian J. FegelyI cannot recommend this book too highly to readers intrigued by the decribed structure and functionality of the Herodian Temple in Jerusalem. The author has done two magnificent tasks:first; creating a scale model of Herod's Temple based upon descriptions from Flavius Josephus; the Midrash; and Scripture.second; writing a considered text to accompany excellent photos of his model; intelligible to anyone who can read English.His text and terrific color photos are unencumbered by "should-be" tradition; and the book makes a compact valucable addition to any Jerusalem scholar's library.Freemasons should note the shape of the main building from above. Tau for two?
