Ray Allen Billington The Land Of Promise: and 11 similar items

Cowboys, Indians, and the Land of Promise: The World Image of the American Frontier Opening Address at the XIV International Congress of Historical Sciences San Francisco, California; August 22, 1975 by Ray Allen Billington [San Marino, CA]: The Huntington Library, 1975. First edition: Possibly unique and bound for the author's own library. Near fine: one scratch on the front cover, whisper of edge wear. Several corrections in the text--presumably by the author. Duplicated copy of the 17 page address (with original typed cover title page) with translations of the address in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian; plus nine pages of footnotes at the end all bound in a sturdy cloth binding. The opening address at the XIV International Congress of Historical Sciences in 1975 by the American historian Ray Allen Billington (1903-1981). Dr. Billington discusses how the myth of the American frontier as a land of romance, violence and personal justice has persisted and grown to this day; and how it has influenced both the international attitudes toward the United States and its policies and pop culture in other countries. Dr. Billington held two doctorate degrees: from the University of Wisconsin (1926) and Harvard University (1933). He was a leading proponent of Frederick Jackson Turner's "Frontier Thesis", suggesting that American democracy was formed by the progressing Western frontier and that it established liberty by releasing pioneers from European mindsets and outdated dysfunctional customs. He wrote several books on the subject, and was considered this century's expert on the subject. Dark maroon cloth with gilt-stamped titles on spine. Large quarto; size is 8-3/4" by 11-1/4". Total of 136 pages. FREE SHIPPING to USA PLEASE VIEW OUR STORE FOR MORE GREAT FIRST EDITION BOOKS THANKS!