This is a succinct survey of the history of the American west. Focusing on issues of land use, environment, race, ethnicity, gender, business and the development of communities, the book examines the dynamics and progress of recent scholarship. It will prove invaluable for all students of American history.

Over the past twenty-five years historians have created a 'New Western History', which has aimed to rewrite the 'Old Western History' created around the famous Turner thesis on the significance of the American Frontier. Focusing on five main themes, this study examines the dynamics and progress of recent scholarship in the issues of land use, the environment, race, ethnicity, gender, business and the development of communities. Synthesizing prolific research, it offers a clear and up-to-date review of American history and includes a complete bibliography.