Print Resources for Instructors: Instructor's Resource Manual

The Second Compact Edition of The American Promise: A History of the United States offers a fresh alternative: a unique mid-sized book that pairs the color, pedagogy, and features of a full-length text with a briefer narrative at a lower price. Condensed by the authors themselves and based on the highly successful full-length survey text, The American Promise, the Second Compact Edition deftly integrates social, economic, and cultural developments into a strong political framework that reveals history as it happened, from the viewpoint of the historical actors whose interpretations of the American promise drove historical change. By placing an emphasis on the individuals behind American history, the authors provide a vivid and memorable narrative that captures students' interest and sparks their historical imagination.

Review :
"The Compact Edition of The American Promise enables me to have the best of both worlds: a beautifully written comprehensive text to serve as an anchor and a treatment that is economical enough to allow readings in selected monographs and primary sources." "This is perhaps the strongest textbook available to professors and students taking a historical survey of America. Its attention to the overall presentation of ideas through not only the printed word but a host of visual images and attendant online documents, analytical exercises, and research projects separates it from the pack." "This is the style of textbook I have been waiting for....The combination of a political framework and social and cultural insights makes the history come alive for students and covers issues I most want to address in the classroom." "I think the visual program is very effective, particularly the artifacts at the start of each chapter. The agency of the common man and woman comes to life in the artifacts and photos used throughout." "This is an excellent textbook. It offers sufficient detail to inform students deeply of the fundamental facts, dates, and interpretive lines of modern American history. But it moves along and leaves room for the instructor to prepare lectures that complement rather than duplicate the text. The writing style is lively and the integration of social, cultural, and political history nicely done." "The authors demonstrate that people as individuals made choices that affected history and that even marginalized groups were agents in the shaping of historical events. This approach humanizes history and is especially suitable for students who are themselves members of a marginalized group." "I strongly endorse the idea of providing students with solid information at an affordable price. The use of introductory stories, outstanding maps, numerous color pictures, and interesting special features makes this compact edition stand out from others. This text is a winner!" "The American Promise is a real treasure chest. You have produced a book with the brightness and glory of Hollywood along with the intellectual sophistication that takes my students way beyond Tinsel Town. A briefer, less expensive edition is most welcome." "The authors are absolutely correct in their approach. Students need a text that ties social history to the structure of political history. The focus on the 'big picture' will help students better understand the major themes and periods of American history."