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Walter Prescott Webb
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The Great Frontier Paperback – January 1, 1986

by Walter Prescott Webb (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 19 ratings
First published in 1951, The Great Frontier has become one of the undisputed classics of Western history, its conclusions still hotly debated by scholars but nonetheless essential and engrossing reading for anyone who wishes to understand the history and significance of this vast and often puzzling region. The final work of pioneer Western historian Walter Prescott Webb, The Great Frontier represents a daring attempt to interpret the settlement of the American West in the global context of the expansion of European civilization between the fifteenth and twentieth centuries. According to Webb's "boom hypothesis," the expansion of Europe's "Great Frontier" into the Western Hemisphere energized a static society and made possible the development of such fundamental institutions of the modern era as individualism capitalism, and political democracy. Webb contends that the closing of the global frontier at the end of the nineteenth century, with the end of easily available empty land and readily exploited natural resources, was responsible for the crises and violence of the twentieth century and boded ill for the future of the United States's treasured democracy. An insightful new introduction by Western historian William D. Rowley sets Webb's masterwork into the context of its own time and outlines the relevance of this still-controversial work for twenty-first-century readers.
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  1. Language
    English
  2. Publisher
    Univ of Nebraska Pr
  3. Publication date
    January 1, 1986
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0803297114
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0803297111
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Walter Prescott Webb] writes interestingly about large problems, the solution of which should help mankind to understand its past and assist in formulating more socially desirable public and private policies. He is blessed with both a bold mind and a brilliant pen, two assets that have raised him to a position of respect among members of the profession to which he belongs. In [The Great Frontier] Mr. Webb attempts to interpret the history of Western culture from 1500 to the present in terms of the expansion of Europe overseas. Although this theme is not new... it has never before been treated in such a grand manner and with the same points of emphasis as in the present volume." - New York Times Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Walter Prescott Webb (1888-1963) wrote or edited more than twenty books including "The Great Plains," "Divided We Stand," and "The Texas Rangers." He taught at the University of Texas, the University of London, and at Oxford University. Although Webb's work sparked controversy and sharp criticism, it inspired new thinking about the role of regionalism in the nation's history. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Univ of Nebraska Pr (January 1, 1986)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0803297114
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0803297111
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

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Walter Prescott Webb

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4.7 out of 5 stars
19 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Grainne Mhaol
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you can get past the arrogant 1950's white guy historical blindness, a great read that is quite relevant today
    Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2016
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    While the author is certainly reflective of a 1950's white male in his historical perspective (really glosses over the theft of native lands around the world and very simply ignores the effects of "free labor" in the form of slavery on economies), his overall premise is solid and very interesting. A very relevant read even 60 years since its writing.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Gregory B. Meyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Webb was the leading historian for the great frontier paradigm of American history
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
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    Webb was the leading historian for the great frontier paradigm of American history. This is a crucial book to understanding his thoughts on what he thought was a major contributor to America's productivity, dynamism and exceptionalism.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Robert C. Spencer Jr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars I still haven't read it, but it is relevant ...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I still haven't read it, but it is relevant to today's economy. No remaining source of a boom in the economy likely is part of the mix of factors.
    One person found this helpful
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  • J. Sloan Leonard
    4.0 out of 5 stars Older Book with Interesting Thoughts on the American Frontier
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
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    Not Webb's most notable book but helpful perspectives on the American Frontier and the settlers who moved progressively West, and what they were seeking and escaping.
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  • D. Minor
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic book. One of my favorites
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018
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    This is a fantastic book. One of my favorites. It will have a permanent place in my collection of historical books.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • James J.Sheehan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2017
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    fine
    One person found this helpful
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  • Herrick Kimball
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Remarkable History Book I Have Ever Read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2012
    Professor Walter Prescott Webb wrote "The Great Frontier" in the 1950s, and he predicted the problems we are having today with scarcity, economic turmoil, and a drop in living standards. It's all very easy to understand when you see the large historical picture and understand Professor Webb's "boom hypothesis of modern history." That's what this book is all about.

    "The Great Frontier" is not the American West, with cowboys and Indians and all of that. Webb's Great Frontier is all of America, along with other great lands that were discovered around the same time as America. These lands were full of untapped riches in the form of undeveloped farmland, forests and other natural resources. The discovery and settlement of this Great Frontier lifted Europe out of static poverty and led to 400 years of worldwide economic boom.

    But the boom is over. The lands are all discovered, and settled, and mostly exploited. The natural resources are no longer easily obtained like in the early stages of the boom age.

    Professor Webb saw the future by understanding the boom pattern of the past. This book explains his boom hypothesis in a very readable way. It only touches on the future consequences, but when you understand where the world was prior to the boom, and you understand the simple but profound effects of the boom, it's pretty easy to see the future ramifications.

    "The Great Frontier" is a historical slap up side the head of all those people who think prosperity like we knew in the past will continue forever. It can't possibly happen. It is totally unsustainable from a natural resources point of view. Webb saw and taught all this 60+ years ago. I don't think you will find a more insightful, useful, and readable history book than this one.

    By the way, Webb was a down-to-earth native Texan and a respected professor in his day. It amazes me that more people are not familiar with his writings. The man was brilliant.
    19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Wousie
    3.0 out of 5 stars Don't know
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2012
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    It was bought on behalf of someone else. X X X X X X X X X X X X
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