The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

By: Patrick N. Allitt, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Patrick N. Allitt

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

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.

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.

Enlighten ing

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

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!

Another gem from the Great Courses!

These lectures provide twelve hours and two minutes of pure enjoyment as the reader is taken on a journey of the American West. Learn the correct facts, dispel the myths, and simply enjoy all there is to expand one's mind on topics so familiar to American life.