The World of the American West: A Daily Life Encyclopedia [2 volumes]

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Description

Addressing everything from the details of everyday life to recreation and warfare, this two-volume work examines the social, political, intellectual, and material culture of the American "Old West," from the California Gold Rush of 1849 to the end of the 19th century. What was life really like for ordinary people in the Old West What did they eat, wear, and think How did they raise their children How did they interact with government What did they do for fun This encyclopedia provides readers with an engaging and detailed portrayal of the Old West through the examination of social, cultural, and material history. Supported by the most current research, the multivolume set explores various aspects of social historyfamily, politics, religion, economics, and recreationto illuminate aspects of a society's emotional life, interactions, opinions, views, beliefs, intimate relationships, and connections between the individual and the greater world. Readers will be exposed to both objective reality and subjective views of a particular culture; as a result, they can create a cohesive, accurate impression of life in the Old West during the second half of the 1800s.

Reviews

Written at a level accessible to high school students, this reference tool would be a beneficial resource for high school, public, and undergraduate libraries. * ARBA *
Lots of sound information on a variety of fascinating topics for high school students, college undergraduates, and nonspecialists with an interest in the social, political, intellectual, and material culture of the 1800s American West. * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Gordon Morris Bakken, PhD, is professor of history emeritus at California State University, Fullerton.