This outstanding book assesses the whole sweep of American thought from the colonial era to the present day. Some two hundred and fifty scholars - from history, literature, religion, philosophy, political theory, and the social sciences - have written original and substantial essays on the pivotal topics and figures in the history of American intellectual endeavor and achievement. To these the editors have added several hundred concise biographical entries. All entries contain suggestions for further reading, and the book is fully cross-referenced and indexed.