The Frontier in American History by Frederick Jackson Turner (Vintage 1962 Hardcover)

Description

The Frontier in American History by Frederick Jackson Turner is a landmark work in American historiography that presents the influential “Frontier Thesis.” In this collection of essays, Turner argues that the existence of the frontier and its continuous expansion westward played a crucial role in shaping American democracy, individualism, and national character. He contends that the frontier served as a vital force in breaking down old European traditions and fostering a distinctly American identity.

The book, first published in 1920, brings together several of Turner’s key papers, including his famous 1893 address to the American Historical Association. While Turner’s ideas have been debated and revised over time, this work remains foundational for understanding how historians have interpreted American development and expansion.