Hear the author interview on NPR's Morning EditionIf you believe the experts, “child’s play”; is serious business. From sociologists to psychologists and from anthropologists to social critics, writers have produced mountains of books about the meaning and importance of play. But what do we know about how children actually play, especially American children of the last two centuries? In this fascinating and enlightening book, Howard Chudacoff presents a history of children’s play in the United States and ponders what it tells us about ourselves.Through expert investigation in primary sources-including dozens of children's diaries, hundreds of autobiographical recollections of adults, and a wealth of child—rearing manuals—along with wide—ranging reading of the work of educators, journalists, market researchers, and scholars-Chudacoff digs into the “underground” of play. He contrasts the activities that genuinely occupied children's time with what adults thought children should be doing. Filled with intriguing stories and revelatory insights, Children at Play provides a chronological history of play in the U.S. from the point of view of children themselves. Focusing on youngsters between the ages of about six and twelve, this is history “from the bottom up.” It highlights the transformations of play that have occurred over the last 200 years, paying attention not only to the activities of the cultural elite but to those of working-class men and women, to slaves, and to Native Americans. In addition, the author considers the findings, observations, and theories of numerous social scientists along with those of fellow historians.Chudacoff concludes that children's ability to play independently has attenuated over time and that in our modern era this diminution has frequently had unfortunate consequences. By examining the activities of young people whom marketers today call “tweens,” he provides fresh historical depth to current discussions about topics like childhood obesity, delinquency, learning disability, and the many ways that children spend their time when adults aren’t looking.

Product Description: This spirited narrative challenges students to think about the meaning of American history. Thoughtful inclusion of the lives of everyday people, cultural diversity, work, and popular culture preserves the text's basic approach to American history as a story of all the American people...read more

This volume offers an exciting examination of the nation's urban development, reflecting historians' awareness of the city's pivotal role in the unfolding of American history.

The Brief Edition of A People and a Nation preserves the text's basic approach to American history as a story of all American people. Known for a number of strengths, including its well-respected author team and engaging narrative, the book emphasizes social history, giving particular attention to race and racial identity. Through its thoughtful inclusion of everyday people, cultural diversity, work, and popular culture, A People and a Nation brings history to life.Like its full-length counterpart, the Brief Seventh Edition challenges students to think about the implications of events in American history. Several popular features have been retained and updated, including "Legacies for a People and a Nation" and chapter-opening vignettes. A new "Links to the World" feature connects U.S. history to global events and provides Web links for further research on topics such as international piracy, baseball in Japan, OPEC, and AIDS.

Product Description: Developed to meet the demand for a low-cost, high-quality history book, this text is an economically priced version of A People and a Nation, 7/e (©2005). The Dolphin Edition offers readers the complete text while limiting the number of photos and maps...read more

Product Description: In this engaging new book, Howard Chudacoff describes a special and fascinating world: the urban bachelor life that took shape in the late nineteenth century, when a significant population of single men migrated to American cities...read more

Product Description: Good condition minor pencil marks and highlighting (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

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