Oxford University Press The Comparative Approach to American History

In the mid-1960s, C. Vann Woodward was asked to organize a programme of broadcast lectures on US history for the Voice of America as part of a longer series designed to acquaint foreign audiences with leaders in American arts and sciences. Reasoning that a comparative approach "was peculiarly adapted to the interests and needs of foreign audiences", Woodward commissioned twenty-two noted scholars to cover classic topics in American history―the Civil War, the World Wars, slavery, immigration, and many others―but to add a comparative dimension by relating these topics to developments elsewhere in the world. The result was the 1968 Basic Books edition of The Comparative Approach to American History. Now, three decades later, Oxford is very pleased to be reissuing this classic collection of historical essays in a paperback edition, with a new introduction by Woodward that discusses the decline and resurgence of comparative history since the 1960s. Review It is evident that comparing American history internationally is an idea whose time has returned. Perhaps Woodward's Comparative Approach will have a greater impact this time around. Its shortcomings and omissions are more obvious now, but so are its strengths: its call to make American history more cosmopolitan, its devotion to the nation as a unit of analysis, its still-provocative individual essays, its openness to a variety of comparative techniques, and its avoidance of specialized jargon. As we set out to broaden our audience and internationalize our outlook, we ought to profit from its example.--Carl J. Guameri, Reviews in American History In this changed environment Woodward's anthology, bypassed the first time around, has recovered its relevance. Rereading it today, we can find much to admire....Perhaps Woodward's Comparative Approach will have a greater impact this time around....As we set out to broaden our audience and internationalize our outlook, we ought to profit from its example.--Carl J. Guameri, Reviews in American History Professor Woodward's book is a major publishing event. It will make an exciting teaching device and will stimulate scholarship in many fields.--Michael G. Kammen, Cornell University Review "It is evident that comparing American history internationally is an idea whose time has returned. Perhaps Woodward's Comparative Approach will have a greater impact this time around. Its shortcomings and omissions are more obvious now, but so are its strengths: its call to make American history more cosmopolitan, its devotion to the nation as a unit of analysis, its still-provocative individual essays, its openness to a variety of comparative techniques, and its avoidance of specialized jargon. As we set out to broaden our audience and internationalize our outlook, we ought to profit from its example."―Carl J. Guameri, Reviews in American History About the Author C. Vann Woodward, one of the pre-eminent American historians, is Emeritus Professor of History at Yale University. He is author or editor of numerous works, and is the series editor for The Oxford History of the United States.