Historical Atlas of the American West - by Derek Hayes (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Spectacular in scope and visually brilliant, this atlas presents a sweeping history of the American West through more than 600 original, full-color maps and extended captions. From the earliest human inhabitants and the first European explorers to the national parks and retirement resorts of today, this extensive collection chronicles the West from uncharted territory to a well-populated Eden. We bear witness as state lines strike through Native American territories, see the frontier crack open and the railroad's iron belt snake across the Plains, and watch as the West's cities, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and Albuquerque to Anchorage, rise and prosper. This is the first atlas to compile all the historically significant maps relating to the American West; it includes field sketches of battles, the first maps to show the West, maps depicting mythical rivers and fictional towns, and maps showing early conceptions of California as an island. Distilling many centuries into one fascinating volume, this atlas traces history as redwoods, mountains, and deserts become California, Montana, and Arizona, and offers a rare opportunity to see the west through the eyes of its earliest explorers.

Review Quotes

"[Hayes] takes the reader on a visually and intellectually stimulating tour of the American West across several hundred years of map making."--J Clark Archer "Great Plains Qtly" (2/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"A book that will provide hours of enjoyment, this oversized volume will delight anyone interested in western history."--Bob Walch "Coast Traveler" (7/14/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"A splendidly guided tour through legend, perception, time and place."--Susan Snyder "California Historian" (7/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Anyone who loves gazing at vintage maps will enjoy spending hours with the Historical Atlas of the American West."-- "Bookloons Reviews" (7/14/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"Deserves to hold a prominent place on the bookshelves of any who have even the smallest interest in . . . the American West."--Andrew Dunlop "Canadian Journal Of History" (6/27/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Historical Atlas of the American West is useful. . . [and] a worthwhile acquisition."-- "Southern California Quarterly" (2/8/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Maps that engage both the viewers' intellect and their aesthetic sense. . . . A high quality publication at an amazingly low price. . . Highly recommended."-- "Library Journal" (11/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

"Shows knowledge expanding map by map; Native pueblos, early trails, railways, highways, parks and cities."-- "Via" (11/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

"The maps are intriguing, and the accompanying text and captioned illustrations provide enough detail for the casual reader and context for the researcher."-- "Booklist" (2/15/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"This volume is certainly an authoritative and attractive reference."--Kevin Blake "Montana The Magazine Of Western History" (6/14/2011 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Derek Hayes is the author of Historical Atlas of the United States, Historical Atlas of California, and Historical Atlas of the Pacific Northwest, among other books.