Thomson Advantage Books: American Passages: A History of the United States, Compact Edition, Volume II
Worth buying if: You want a classroom-ready, readable survey of post‑Civil War U.S. history.
Skip it if: You want an exhaustive, research-level monograph on a single topic or era.
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780495188599. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.
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Summary
Edward L. Ayers' Compact Volume II covers American history from the late 19th century through contemporary developments, blending storytelling with documentary evidence and thematic analysis suited to students and general readers.
Why this book now
This compact edition remains a practical choice for refreshers, courses, or readers seeking a readable, classroom-proven overview of modern U.S. history.
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- You want a classroom-ready, readable survey of post‑Civil War U.S. history.
- You prefer narrative history enriched with primary-source excerpts and thematic framing.
- When you want complex relationships, the author builds a climate and mood so fully that the setting feels like another character in the story.
- You want an exhaustive, research-level monograph on a single topic or era.
- You expect heavily interpretive or controversial new scholarship rather than a balanced survey.
- When you prefer definitive resolutions, the pacing favors careful development over immediate thrills.
Decided it fits?
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780495188599
Worth buying if: You want a classroom-ready, readable survey of post‑Civil War U.S. history.
Skip it if: You want an exhaustive, research-level monograph on a single topic or era.
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.
Reader guide
Cues to help you decide faster.
Reading commitment
Substantial Longer sessions help
At about 550 pages, this compact volume is substantial but designed for paced study—suitable for several weeks of course work or focused weekend reading sessions.
What stands out here
This Wadsworth compact edition emphasizes readable narrative and pedagogical features—ideal for students, course adoption, or a structured refresher on modern American history.
Best way to approach it
Read chapter-by-chapter with attention to primary-source inserts and thematic sections; pair with course notes or discussion questions for deeper engagement.
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Exact edition: ISBN-13 9780495188599
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.