Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Reading the Twentieth Century: Documents in American History

The focus of Reading the Twentieth Century is on the role of the United States in the world in the twentieth century, after the nation became a major world player. Readings include public documents, memoirs, and media comments, many of which have never been published before. The book is structured in such a way that portions can be assigned to students, and the order of presentation is such that instructors can assign sections chronologically or thematically. Though highly informative, the editor's chapter introductions and the document head notes are brief, designed only to introduce the subjects so that the documents can speak for themselves. Review This volume captures the width and breadth of the 'American Century.' With this great collection in hand students will read original documents, selected with balance and integrity, highlighting important developments in the social conditions and lifestyles we all share in today.--Richard R. E. Kania, Jacksonville State University of Alabama Reading the Twentieth Century will be a valuable asset in any course on twentieth-century America. Looking at the century as a whole and identifying its common themes, Donald Whisenhunt has selected an extensive collection of thought-provoking primary documents. He provides brief, but highly effective, introductory notes for each and questions that will stimulate student thought and classroom discussion. There is plenty of substance in the documents to engage students in upper level and graduate courses.--William H. Mulligan Jr., Murray State University The meticulously selected documents presented here not only provide a rich, inclusive history of the great 'American Century' but also offer pleasant surprises, disturbing actions, and fresh insights. Together the documents represent a splendid cross-section of the 20th century American experience.--Paul H. Carlson, Texas Tech University About the Author Donald W. Whisenhunt is emeritus professor of history at Western Washington University, and the editor of The Human Tradition in America between the Wars, 1920–1945.