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

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.

• Offers insights based on social history and the daily experience of the average person to engage students' interest and curiosity rather than focusing on the events, dates, and names of "traditional history"

• Presents information within a thematic organization that encourages a more in-depth study of specific aspects of daily life in the Old West

• Includes related primary documents that enable students to view history more directly and reach their own conclusions about past events

• Examines a wide range of topics such as work, family life, clothing and fashion, food and drink, housing and community, politics, social customs, spirituality, and technology

• Provides a general introduction per volume, individual topic introductions, numerous images and illustrations, a timeline of events, and a bibliography identifying print and nonprint resources