The Free and the Unfree - 3rd Edition by Peter N Carroll & David W Noble (Paperback)

About the Book

"The Free and the Unfree" surveys the social, cultural, political, and economic developments that broadened America's definition of freedom. A concise, thorough, and up-to-date examination of the spirit and limits of freedom.

Book Synopsis

The founding Fathers based the American system on principles of equality and freedom, but often people who made America their home faced inequality, injustice, and legal discrimination. The Free and the Unfree documents what happened when Native Americans, African Americans, immigrants, religious minorities, and women tested America's humanitarian and democratic principles. It surveys the social, cultural, political, and economic developments that broadened America's definition of freedom-from the earliest contacts with Native Americans and the Revolutionary War through the Civil Rights movement and the sexual revolution. The Free and the Unfree presents a concise, thorough, and up-to-date examination of the spirit and limits of freedom, providing readers with a little-known perspective on American history.

Review Quotes

In search of a book that captures the essence of American history? One that will appeal to undergraduates exhausted by dry-as-dust texts? One that will inform foreigners seeking a good introduction to this country's history? One that the intelligent lay person will enjoy? This is the book. I have used it in American survey courses and students have responded warmly. I have recommended it to foreign students and they have benefited. And I have recommended it to general readers without disappointing a one. There is good reason that The Free and the Unfree appears in its third edition.

---Michael Batinski,
Southern Illinois University

About the Author

Peter N. Carroll has taught at the University of Minnesota, San Francisco State University, and Stanford University. He lives in Belmont, California.
David W. Noble is professor of history and American studies at the University of Minnesota. He lives in St. Paul, MN.