This collection of readings is oriented to social history. Retracing the Past leads students to a consideration of the role of women, ethnic groups, and laboring Americans in the weaving of the nation's social fabric, and allows them to explore life at the individual and community levels. It also introduces students to individuals and groups who made a critical difference in the shaping of American history.

In the Fourth Edition of Retracing the Past, all readings (old and new) have been edited for length and accessibility to aid student reading and comprehension. The number of readings have been reduced to 18 per volume (6 readings in each section) to make them more attractive to students and meet their general reading abilities.

A new introductory essay on interpreting primary and secondary sources as well as a number of primary documents have been added to further distinguish the readers.