The American Reader: Words That Moved a Nation by Diane Ravitch


The American Reader: Words That Moved a Nation
Title : The American Reader: Words That Moved a Nation
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0062737333
ISBN-10 : 9780062737335
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 656
Publication : First published October 1, 1990

The American Reader is a stirring and memorable anthology that captures the many facets of American culture and history in prose and verse. The 200 poems, speeches, songs, essays, letters, and documents were chosen both for their readability and for their significance. These are the words that have inspired, enraged, delighted, chastened, and comforted Americans in days gone by. Gathered here are the writings that illuminate—with wit, eloquence, and sometimes sharp words—significant aspects of national conciousness. They reflect the part that all Americans—black and white, native born and immigrant, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American, poor and wealthy—have played in creating the nation's character.

The American Reader: Words That Moved a Nation Reviews

  • Tina Wright

    Moving. Thought-provoking. Inspiring. You'll be familiar with much of this book's content, but it's all essential reading, and beautifully combined in this collection.

  • Stefanie

    A great read. I wish there was a current addition to add the 90’s and 2000’s!

  • Judy

    A must for everyone’s library. Songs, poems, speeches, essays from the Mayflower Compact to Reagan’s ‘Tear down your wall’ speech.

  • Richard Subber

    This isn't exactly a "can't put it down" kind of book, but it's eminently readable, especially in short takes -- f'rinstance, it's a great bathroom book.
    There is so much you'll recognize because you know about it, not because you've already read it. You recognize Patrick Henry's "give me liberty or give me death" speech. Diane Ravitch has selected his speech to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775. This is your chance to read the fullness of his thinking.
    Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is wrenching stuff, still. Try W. E. B Du Bois' "Advice to a Black Schoolgirl" (1905). JFK's "Speech at the Berlin Wall." Bob Dylan, "Blowin' in the Wind."
    Admit it. You've always intended to read some of this stuff.
    Here's your chance.
    Read more of my book reviews here

    http://richardsubber.com/

  • Beth

    Every parent (in America) should have this book on the shelf, it is an invaluable asset for your kids history classes. I wish it had been around when I was in middle and High School. it includes not only mandatory reading such at the Declaration of Independence and Inaugural addresses, but collateral period reading such as origins and words of some songs. chief Logan's speech, some period writing excerpts, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self Reliance" and letters from John and Abigail Adams. Just a good all round reader for American History!

  • Heather

    I really like this little collection. It has speeches from all the important historical figures that you can think of that have had an impact on the U.S. Even though it could have included more, I still enjoyed it and I like having it as a reference.

  • Jennie McStotts

    I'm only including this in craft-deming because it has Civil Disobedience in it and I already own it. :)

  • Robert

    1990 Ed.

  • Michela Byrne

    primary source readings...best way to learn about history