This classic survey of one of the most dramatic eras in American history is most notable, perhaps, for the insight it offers into the mindset of the era itself. First published from 1893 through 1906, in the immediate aftermath of the events it covers, it was criticized even then for the author's clear bias-Rhodes believed it was a mistake to have given black men the right to vote after the Civil War. Today, it remains a fascinating look at the times through a prism that is itself of historical interest. This eight-volume set is a replica of the 1920 "new" edition. Volume I covers: [ slavery and the Constitution [ the Missouri Compromise [ the abolitionist movement [ Northern attitudes toward slavery [ the Fugitive Slave law [ Uncle Tom's Cabin [ the condition of slaves in the pre-Civil War era [ tensions with Spain [ and much more. After earning a fortune in iron, coal, and steel, American author JAMES FORD RHODES (1848-1927) retired to write about history, for which he won the Loubat Prize from the Berlin Academy of Sciences (1901) and the gold medal from the National Institute of Arts and Letters (1910). He is also the author of the single-volume *History of the Civil War, 1861-1865* (1918), available from Cosimo.

Rhodes' work is a comprehensive account of the United States during a tumultuous period of its history, encompassing the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise of industrialism, and a host of political and social changes. His eloquent prose and unflinching analysis make this work an enduring classic of American history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.