Contending Voices: v. 1 Book

Each chapter in Contending Voices examines the lives of two individuals—some of them familiar historical figures and some of them lesser known—who took opposing positions on important issues in American history. The format of this supplementary reader for U.S. history survey courses is unique because it uses paired biographies to help students think critically about the past.Chapters begin with short essays that explore the lives of the two historical figures and introduce the conflict of the chapter. The biographies are followed by a set of 4-6 related primary sources, many in the individuals' own voices, a "Questions to Consider" section, and an annotated bibliography.A dramatic vignette opens each chapter's essay, setting the tone for the dynamic opposition between the central figures. These vignettes both grab readers' attention and compel them to probe further into the debate that follows.In addition to examining the lives of the subjects and their contrasting views, the biographical essays in each chapter also relate the subjects' lives to the chapter's most important themes.Read More