A History of the United States and Its People

Name: A History of the United States and Its People
Brand: Lost Classics Book Company

by Lost Classics Book Company

Social_studiesGrades 6–8

A History of the United States and Its People: 1890s Era Historical Text

A History of the United States and Its People is a historically significant textbook originally written by Edward Eggleston around 1890, republished by Lost Classics Book Company. This social studies curriculum covers American history from exploration through the 19th century with topical chapters, detailed illustrations, and extensive study questions for grades 6-8.

Best for

Homeschool families or traditional educators seeking a classical approach to American history who value historical perspective and can supplement with modern teaching resources and additional content through the present day

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates direct instruction through clear textual content and structured study questions. The format supports teacher-led instruction with manageable chapter lengths.

Review describes 'text for each chapter generally runs no more than five pages' and 'lengthy set of Questions for Study' that provide structure for instruction

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum includes retrieval practice through end-of-chapter questions and periodic topical outlines for review. Questions appear to focus on recall of textual content.

Review mentions 'Questions for Study are primarily recall questions' and 'topical outline of a preceding group of chapters that is intended to help with reviewing material'

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum lacks teacher training or professional development materials. Teachers must rely on their own content knowledge, as there is no answer key or instructional guidance provided.

Review states 'There is no answer key, so a parent or teacher would need to read the text to determine answers'

Geographic KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum includes geographic elements through maps and occasional geography activities. However, the extent and systematic nature of geographic instruction is unclear.

Review mentions 'numerous interestingly detailed, hand-drawn illustrations, portraits, and maps' and notes 'geography activities' as end-of-chapter components

Chronological KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum builds chronological knowledge but organizes content topically rather than strictly chronologically. Chapters focus on specific themes like 'Quaker in the Jerseys and Pennsylvania' rather than covering all events of a given time period together.

Review notes it is 'generally chronological in order, but it doesn't try to cover all events happening at any given time within the same chapter. Instead, chapters are topical'

Primary SourcesInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of primary source integration is mentioned in the available review. The curriculum appears to rely on the author's narrative synthesis rather than direct engagement with historical documents.

The review discusses the text content and approach but makes no mention of primary sources, letters, speeches, or other historical documents

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

No explicit vocabulary instruction is evident from the review. The text uses period-appropriate terminology that may challenge modern students but without systematic vocabulary support.

Review notes 'terminology and attitudes reflect those common in that era' but makes no mention of vocabulary instruction or glossaries

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com