Introducing American History, a new curriculum resource by Thomas S. Kidd
“This clear and even-handed account cuts against the banality we find in most history textbooks today.”
—David Goodwin, president, Association of Classical Christian Schools
In winsome, fluid prose, Thomas Kidd expertly surveys America’s political, religious, and cultural history, creating a resource that is both academically sound and intellectually engaging.
This curriculum is perfectly suited for high school students or collegiate courses, and it provides everything you need to homeschool your student for an entire school year. American History is available as a single, combined edition or as two individual volumes, so you only have to purchase exactly what you need.
Chapter-by-chapter discussion questions, quizzes, and PowerPoint slides are all available for free, upon request from the publisher. These materials may be copied and modified to suit the needs of each classroom, but may not be licensed, sold, or reproduced for profit.
About Thomas S. Kidd
Thomas S. Kidd is distinguished professor of history and associate director of the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University. He also serves as distinguished visiting professor of church history at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He regularly contributes to outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. His books include American Colonial History: Clashing Cultures and Faiths and Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father.
About B&H Academic
B&H Academic Publishing is a division of LifeWay Christian Resources headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. B&H Academic is dedicated to providing resources for undergraduate and graduate theological education, as well as pastors and ministry leaders. We work alongside authors, professors, and pastors who are at the top of their fields in order to publish biblically faithful resources, which are academically challenging, promote the academy, and champion the church.
American History, Combined Edition, 1492-Present
In this combined edition, the full content of volumes 1 and 2 of Thomas Kidd’s American History are brought together in a single, accessible textbook. This sweeping narrative spans the full scope of American history from the first Native American societies to the political and cultural struggles of contemporary times. In clear, readable prose, and with attention to well-known and more obscure figures from American history, Kidd gives a robust account of the events, people, and ideas that gave shape to our nation.
Students will come away from American History well-informed, and better prepared to wrestle with the political and cultural changes that have dramatically transformed contemporary American life.
American History, Volume 1, 1492-1877
American History, volume 1 surveys the broad sweep of American history from the first Native American societies to the end of the Reconstruction period, following the Civil War. Drawing on a deep range of research and years of classroom teaching experience, Thomas S. Kidd offers students an engaging overview of the first half of American history. The volume features illuminating stories of people from well-known presidents and generals, to lesser-known men and women who struggled under slavery and other forms of oppression to make their place in American life. The role of Christianity in America is central in this book. Americans’ faith sometimes inspired awakenings and the search for an equitable society, but at other times it justified violence and inequality.
Students will come away from American History, volume 1 better prepared to grapple with the challenges presented by the history of America’s founding, the problem of slavery, and our nation’s political tradition.
American History, Volume 2, 1877-Present
American History, volume 2 gives a wide overview of America’s history from the end of the Civil War era, to the political and cultural struggles of contemporary times. Thomas S. Kidd employs lessons learned from his own scholarly expertise and history classes to weave together a compelling narrative of the defeats and triumphs that have defined the American national experience. Unlike many textbooks of modern American history, religion and faith remain central aspects of the book’s coverage, through present-day America. It gives detailed treatment of episodes such as America’s military conflicts, the Civil Rights movement, and the culture wars of the past half-century. Professor Kidd also considers the development of America’s obsession with entertainment, from the rise of the first movies, to the social media age. American History, volume 2 will help students wrestle with the political and cultural changes that have dramatically transformed contemporary American life
Praise for American History
“Thomas Kidd has succeeded well in providing a high-quality American history text that integrates the usual political and social history with its religious dimensions.”
—George Marsden, professor of history emeritus, University of Notre Dame
“Thomas Kidd explores the entirety of American history in this carefully researched and clearly written text. It is an ideal book for students new to American history as well as for older readers who would like a sprightly, objective, and discerning refresher.”
—Mark Noll, professor of history emeritus, University of Notre Dame, and research professor of history, Regent College
“There has long been a need for a survey textbook that gives balanced attention to the important role of Christianity in American history. Thomas Kidd’s American History admirably meets that need and much more.”
—Samuel Smith, graduate program director, history department chair, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
“This American history textbook sets a new standard for balanced treatment of political and cultural issues.”
—Susan Hanssen, associate professor of history, history department chair, University of Dallas, Dallas, TX
“Kudos to Thomas Kidd for returning Christianity to the narrative of American history. At the same time, he has conveyed in his measured, balanced, and accessible style, the multiethnic and multicultural tapestry that American history is, and always has been.”
—H. Paul Thompson, Jr., dean of humanities, history department chair, North Greenville University
For More Information
- Check out the publisher website for links to purchase.
- Preview the textbook online, using the “Look Inside” feature.
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