Historical Dictionary of the American Frontier (Historical Dictionaries of U.S. Politics and Political Eras) - Hardcover

Coauthors Buckley and Rensink encompass the ambitious scope of expeditions into North American from the late 15th to early 19th centuries to deliver a chronology, introduction, and dictionary of more than 300 cross-referenced entries for the various players, including religious orders and indigenous peoples caught up in the maelstrom of 'manifest destiny.' The authors wisely dedicate a third of the work to an extensive bibliography. Verdict: A solid starting point for readers seeking further exploration of Western history. * Library Journal * This useful guide covers early American exploration and frontier life, from the late-fifteenth through the late-nineteenth centuries. More than 300 cross-referenced A-Z entries cover people, places, events, and institutions. The preface provides scope and methodology as well as a chronology and four small black-and-white maps. The entries are brief and concise. 121-page bibliography completes the volume. A good starting point to help users learn more about the growth of the American West. It belongs in most public and academic libraries. * Booklist * Historians Buckley and Rensink have worked together to create a historical dictionary that covers a broad historical time period, array of people, and political and social issues. The A-Z entries provide access to information for students and others doing introductory research. The volume is divided into eight sections, with a foreword, preface, maps, chronology, introduction, dictionary, bibliography, and information about the authors. Four black-and-white maps illustrate the explorations of the American frontier by French, Spanish, and government agents, and by mountain men. A chronology lists dates beginning with Viking explorations in 986 through the 1903-06 navigation of the Northwest Passage. The introduction examines the connotations of the term `frontier,' as defined in the US and by explorers from different countries. The dictionary contains both names and terms, with preference given to individuals or events that had a lasting impact on the expansion of the American frontier. . . .[T]he work offers ample cross-references among entries and an excellent, up-to-date bibliography of sources for the further discovery of information. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduates; general readers. * CHOICE * The value of Buckley and Rensink's work lies in its bibliography. This is a classified list, and extends to 121 pages. It is far and away the best feature of the book. * Reference Reviews *

The Historical Dictionary of the American Frontier covers early Euro-American exploration and development of frontiers in North America but not only the lands that would eventually be incorporated into the Unites States it also includes the multiple North American frontiers explored by Spain, France, Russia, England, and others. The focus is upon Euro-American activities in frontier exploration and development, but the roles of indigenous peoples in these processes is highlighted throughout. The history of this period is covered through a chronology, an introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on explorers, adventurers, traders, religious orders, developers, and indigenous peoples. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the development of the American frontier.