“This volume consists of a collection of essays on 45 important historical documents of the making of the American West, offered by a diverse range of writers. The essays and documents are grouped into the following broad thematic sections: Shifting Borders, Westward Movement, Indian War and Woes, Asian American Affairs, Cowboys and Outlaws, Environmental Actions, and Beyond the West. Documents range from Stephen Austin’s speech “On Texas Independence” to excerpts from Donner Party diaries. There is a chronological list of documents, an annotated list of websites, and bibliography. Recommended for all types of libraries but especially for high school, where it would make a suitable resource for honors or AP history courses.”