The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

De: Patrick N. Allitt, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Patrick N. Allitt

Duración: 12 h y 2 m

Resumen del Editor

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.

Enlighten ing

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

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.

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!

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!

Another interesting course by Patrick Allitt

I've always enjoyed the courses by Patrick Allitt, and this one is no exception. He has a way of making a subject interesting by presenting it in a manner which shows how one thing (an idea, attitude, belief, action, etc.) logically leads to the resulting actions and consequences which make up history. Everything logically flows together and makes sense. You realize not just what happened, but also how and why it happened, and it all makes sense - almost as if it couldn't have been otherwise.

As a transplant from Britain, he isn't prejudiced by having grown up with the American concept of American history, yet he understands that concept and can explain & present it from the point of view of a neutral observer. Plus, I like his accent. The one thing I did find somewhat annoying, however, was his mispronunciation of place names, which could easily have been avoided with a bit of research. The most glaring (and oft-repeated) example is his mispronunciation of "Los Angeles" as "Los Angeleeze". That annoyance aside, however, I found this to be a very engaging and interesting course.

Best great courses lecture of the series

Educational, entertaining, and evocative; it introduced me to a different world and it made me think.

Very Interesting

Wonderful and extremely interesting history of the west. The professor is from England and, I believe, that his perspective of looking at the history of the west as an individual who did not grow up in our school system and fed our "correct" history provides a very perceptive and realistic view of the history of the west. His lectures are engaging. His narration is very clear and easy to listen to. Overall an excellent presentation and I would love to listen to more of his lectures.

In the past I have purchased other Great Courses narrations. Some have been excellent but others dry and brain-numbing.
Dr. Allitt does a wonderful job and I highly recommend this course.

One of the best so far.

I have purchased 6 or 7 of these courses over the years. The subject matter, the material, and the professor makes this one the best experience that I have had with The Great Courses.

Very informative

I listened to this book on my two hour commute. I found it to be interesting and informative on many aspects of the American west providing enough information to peak interest on subjects for further listening and being diverse enough to keep attention. If you enjoy the history of the American west, you will find this interesting.