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The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy  By  cover art

The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

By: Patrick N. Allitt, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Patrick N. Allitt
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Publisher's summary

Our understanding of the American West has moved far beyond pop culture in recent years. The legendary people and events we associate with the Wild West - the last stand at the Alamo, the Battle of Little Bighorn, the exploits of Calamity Jane, the hardships of the Oregon Trail - are even more fascinating once the historical realities have been separated from the myths.

Designed to shine a light on the American frontier, these 24 lectures are a way for you to experience the grit and grandeur of an epic period in American history. Professor Allitt uncovers new historical angles and perspectives about events and themes ranging from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Indian Removal Act to the creation America's first national parks.

You'll cover more than 200 years of history and the most important events, themes, and ideas that form the backbone of the frontier's reality - and legend. Among these: the Transcontinental Railroad, the idea of Manifest Destiny, the Gold Rush, the Trail of Tears, and (yes) cowboys. You'll also learn how popular culture - novels like Little House on the Prairie, paintings by artists like Frederic Remington, and decades of Western films - can actually clue us in to the intimate details of life for everyday men and women.

Saddle up for an exciting adventure in learning.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2017 The Great Courses

What listeners say about The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

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bookgirl

This was my first Great Courses listen and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well written and well read. I it won't be my last.

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7 people found this helpful

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Enlighten ing

very worthwhile and has got me wanting to know
much more about the diverse topics covered.

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3 people found this helpful

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Interesting, but ...

I have a problem with the way certain issues were framed; specifically the treatment of Native American people from their ancestral homelands to "Indian Territory".
The lecturer calls this "relocation", and mentions recompense and assistance from the U.S. government.
Check Wikipedia, where Pres. Jackson's Indian Removal Act and the resulting Trail of Tears is more accurately called ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and genocide.

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Patrick Allitt is the best. love all his courses

I've been listening to all Patrick Allitt's courses (industrial revolution, british empire, and victorian britain before this one) - every one, including this one, has been incredibly emersive, informative and enjoyable. highly recommend!

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Fascinating History!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable exploration of the history of the American West. The Professor was an absolute joy to listen to, and presented a pragmatic point of view. I highly recommend!

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Wonderful Journey through the Historical West

A fascinating journey through time. Exceptional details of our past and wonderful stories that are shared to enrich our souls of how this nation made its Westward expansion.

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Incredible.

Absolutely amazing. Highly recommend this course for anyone looking to learn more about the American West. The only thing I didn’t like was it ending. Listening to these lectures every day on my 30 minute commute to work have been one of the highlights of my day. Loved learning about the history and Professor Allitt has done an incredible job.

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Calamity Jane, Annie Oakley, etc.

Great book but would have like to cover the talent and possibly other females in the west.

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Excellent in all ways

Thorough, well organized, great narration, insightful, even at times humorous. Could listen to it again.

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Educational entertainment

A basic introduction to a interesting period in time. Not much new here but it's complete, well told and above all entertaining.

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