Containing Multitudes

In its second edition, Containing Multitudes: Voices from the American Past presents nearly two hundred primary documents illuminating the American past from the period before European contact to the present. Published in two volumes, this carefully curated collection—including letters, literature, journalism, and visual art—gives readers access to historical voices representing a wide range of perspectives and belief systems.

Designed for US history survey courses, this new edition expands the book’s scope with additional documents and revised contextual materials. Brief introductory essays and discussion questions accompany each selection, providing analysis and instructional support while encouraging student conversation and critical reflection. Together, these materials convey a rich and complex portrait of the American past while offering sustained insight into the many dimensions of the historian’s craft.