Broad and balanced in perspective—and reader-friendly in format and design—this collection of authoritative readings focuses on the various forces, ideologies, people, and experiences that have forged the distinctive American character. Drawn from an extensive and impressive variety of historical sources—including popular history journals, chapters from key books, and scholarly journals—coverage ranges from traditional fields such as historiography and political, cultural, diplomatic, and religious history, to the new social and women's history.