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 | How the States Got Their Shapes
Author: Mark Stein
Publisher: Collins
Binding: Hardcover
Released: 2008-06-01
Sales Rank: 149
ISBN: 0061431389
Edition:
Cover
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 2008-08-15 - Very interesting book
I haven't had a chance to read much of the book I ordered but it appears to be very informative and interesting. It will be the type of book I will use for reference for years to come. The book was in perfect condition when it arrived and it came quickly after I ordered it.
 2008-08-13 - Family Fun, easy to read what interests you initially
My entire family liked this interesting book. Each person could find just which state they wanted to investigate first. As a history teacher, I liked the format and set-up.
2008-08-11 - Very fun enjoyable book- great history lesson
I found this book to be very entertaining, although some of the cross-references to other chapters can get confusing at times. The book made me think a new way about the 50 states, and it made me see the borders in a new light. Reading the history of each one of the states gave me some hope that the U.S. Congress (at least at one time) had some forethought going into the decisions they made. The whole idea of state size equality is evident, particularly in the western states. The role slavery paid in the creation of the southern states is pretty fascinating, as well. Overall, this was a terrific history lesson. If you like geography and history, this book would appeal to you. My only complaints are the sheer number of cross-references to other chapters. I also felt some of the citations and references were lacking in an appendix. Overall, a good buy.
2008-08-07 - History comes alive
This unique book is a nice combination of text and pictures. It describes the curious process of forming state lines, a process which involved the newly organized Americans in democracy in action. Interesting to children and adults as well. Quite a professional piece of work!!
2008-08-05 - A Quick Look at the Reasons for Boundary Twists, Turns, and Quirks
This book describes more boundary quirks than you have probably ever noticed. If nothing else, you'll know the edges of your state better after looking at this research work.
There are overall explanations that account for the bulk of the boundaries such as the original colonial charters from England and other nations, foreign treaties (such as the one ending the French and Indian War), land purchases (such as the ones for Louisiana and Alaska), borders inherited from England and Spain, borders developed by independent nations (Texas and California), borders affected by slavery (including West Virginia seceding from Virginia), and lines that were disputed and resolved among various states.
You'll learn about surveying mistakes, battles over resources, disagreements about which river branch is the main one, and lots of goofy compromises.
In checking out the states where I have lived, I found only one surprise that I didn't know about. So you may not learn as much as you hope about your home area. But you'll probably learn a lot about places where you rarely go.
If you read this book just for two or three states, that's a mistake. The information isn't all that details or well documented. Check it out of the library if that's your intention.
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