A Documentary History of the United States (11th Edition)

Praise for A Documentary History of the United States


“This insightful collection will fascinate, delight, and challenge all who are interested in the progress of the American nation over the years. The broad sweep of U.S. history comes alive in this display and analysis of documents that have helped to create American society as we know it.”—Annette Gordon-Reed, author of Pulitzer Prize–winning of The Hemingses of Monticello

“A portable canon of American documents that take us across the depth and breadth of our national experience. Here is fertile soil for exploring our past and imagining our future. Present crises notwithstanding, you cannot spend time within these pages and be skeptical of our capacity to overcome, survive, and thrive in the endless, vexing, and robust pursuit of a more perfect union.”—Bill Moyers, broadcaster and former White House Press Secretary

“For those who want the raw materials of American history, here is the invaluable source. An indispensable contribution to the understanding of our heritage.”—Robert A. Caro, author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning The Power Broker and the #1 New York Times bestseller Master of the Senate

“Imaginatively selected and judiciously annotated, the documents in this collection capture the full range of the nation’s colorful, consequential, and often contentious history. Simply the best such anthology available.”—David M. Kennedy, author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Freedom from Fear

“A Documentary History of the United States presents the vital documents of American history with incisive and informed commentary—an invaluable resource for the student, the teacher, and the history buff.”—Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award–winning author of A Thousand Days and A Life in the 20th Century


“Whether you are a student of American history, a casual browser, or a speaker in need of a timely quote, you will benefit from having ready access to this excellent collection of important documents.”—Derek Bok, Emeritus President and the 300th Anniversary University Professor, Harvard University

“Words make history, and Richard Heffner has assembled the most important words that have defined America's journey from the Revolution to the present. Imaginatively selected and judiciously annotated. . .Simply the best such anthology available.”—David M. Kennedy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

“A superb collection of documents, skillfully edited, with an edifying introduction to each chapter. An indispensable reference work.”—Kenneth M. Stampp, author of The Causes of the Civil War