American Realities : Historical Episodes from First Settlements to the Civil War, Volume 1, 8/e a best-selling collection of secondary sources, integrates the lives of Americans with their respective time periods, and depicts a diverse American experience that challenges the students' preconceived notions of history.

This edition includes new scholarship and revised, more streamlined writing in existing chapters. The clarity of the author's unique, anecdotal writing style successfully engages students in an exploration of memorable historical characters and significant events.