This two-volume set brings to life the daily thoughts and routines of men and women--rich and poor, of various cultures, religions, races, and beliefs--during a time of great political, social, economic, and legal turmoil. What was life really like for ordinary people during the American Revolution? What did they eat, wear, believe in, and think about? What did they do for fun? This encyclopedia explores the lives of men, women, and children--of European, Native American, and African descent--through the window of social, cultural, and material history. The two-volume set spans the period from 1774 to 1800, drawing on the most current research to illuminate people's emotional lives, interactions, opinions, views, beliefs, and intimate relationships, as well as connections between the individual and the greater world. The encyclopedia features more than 200 entries divided into topical sections, each dealing with a different aspect of cultural life--for example, Arts, Food and Drink, and Politics and Warfare. Each section opens with an introductory essay, followed by A-Z entries on various aspects of the subject area. Sidebars and primary documents enhance the learning experience. Targeting high school and college students, the title supports the American history core curriculum and the current emphasis on social history. Most importantly, its focus on the realities of daily life, rather than on dates and battles, will help students identify with and learn about this formative period of American history. Provides summaries of what people ate, wore, and read and also includes topics such as apprenticeships, camp life and military training Covers ordinary routines of daily life, such as cleanliness, use of privies, and menstruation Starts each thematic section with a brief introduction Includes primary documents that bring the past to life and are an important resource for students Offers further reading suggestions after each entry as well as a bibliography of print books, online sources, and relevant films