Edited by seriously scholarly historians and endorsed by the Smithsonian Institute, The Story of the West aims to be the most authoritative illustrated history of the American West ever published. Beautifully produced in DK's distinctive style, this title works well in breaking down an enormous and important historical subject into a manageable and accessible format. Western history is divided into six periods, each having a chapter written by a prominent academic in that period. The 100,000-word narrative is illustrated with 700 images and 50 full colour maps and timelines. The Story of the West will be bought as a home reference guide and purchased by school libraries and by the general armchair historian.