'Outline of U.S. History' is a publication of the U.S. Department of State. The first edition (1949-50) was produced under the editorship of Francis Whitney, first of the State Department Office of International Information and later of the U.S. Information Agency. Richard Hofstadter, professor of history at Columbia University, and Wood Gray, professor of American history at The George Washington University, served as academic consultants. D. Steven Endsley of Berkeley, California, prepared additional material. It has been updated and revised extensively over the years by, among others, Keith W. Olsen, professor of American history at the University of Maryland, and Nathan Glick, writer and former editor of the USIA journal, Dialogue. Alan Winkler, professor of history at Miami University (Ohio), wrote the post-World War II chapters for previous editions. This new edition has been completely revised and updated by Alonzo L. Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University. Professor Hamby has written extensively on American politics and society.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of economics from its beginnings, at the end of the Middle Ages, up to contemporary developments. It is strong on contemporary theory, providing extensive coverage of the twentieth century, particularly since the Second World War. The second edition has been revised and updated to take account of new developments in economic thought.

"A Parody Outline of History" by Donald Ogden Stewart is a comedic look at American history that aims to retell facts in a humorous way. The book pokes fun at overtly serious texts that turn history into a chore to learn. This book has become an inspiration for countless subsequent books that have told the tale of human history through the narrative tool of humor in the years since. From Plymouth Rock to Custer, the book doesn't leave any stones unturned.