From Kirkus Reviews:
In the West, ``hope and opportunity often existed side by side with disappointment and hardship.'' This volume, along with companion books, People of the West and The Gold Rush, are intended to coordinate with public television's upcoming series, ``The West,'' but work just as well as stand-alone overviews of a complex subject. The book opens with the story of Native Americans, who first settled the vast lands from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, and proceeds with the pioneers, who decided to make all of those territories their own by slaughtering the first inhabitants. With ample black-and-white photographs and quotes (in large type) of many primary sources incorporated into the design, the book offers both browsers and serious researchers a way into the text. Stephen Ives and Ken Burns provide an introduction. Readers will marvel at the spirit of these American pioneers, as well as their perseverance, and will welcome this balanced and thoughtful treatment of an exciting era. (index, not seen, b&w photos, maps, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 8-12) (First printing of 100,000; $50,000 ad/promo; author tour) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
From School Library Journal:
Grade 6 Up?These three books, based on the PBS series, could essentially be incorporated into one volume. Prior knowledge of the West and its history may be helpful; however, the material is so well presented and illustrated (chiefly with archival photographs and reproductions) that novices, scholars, or browsers can dip in anywhere and emerge with useful impressions and/or information. While some of the same ground is covered in a multitude of titles, the presentation is fresh and greatly enlivened by the visuals that appear on every page. For example, The West includes a shot of the copper smelter in Butte, MT, and the statement that surrounding hills were stripped of trees for fuel to fire the furnaces?this happened in many of the mining towns. In addition, coverage is not limited to the famous folks usually written about; instead, photo coverage is given to real people of various ethnic groups. These volumes are a real achievement; they are sure to inform, entertain, and invite further investigation on the subject.?George Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.