Reviews (7)

The results of manifest destiny. . .
This is a beautifully written book that takes epic form in retelling the settling of the American southwest from 1820 through the 1860s.From the Mexican war to the removal of the Navajo from Canyon de Chelly, Hampton Sides writes an engaging account of the results of manifest destiny, showing both sides, warts and all.The white man, while seeming noble in purpose, is shown to have been lacking in honor, and while the Indians were certainly shafted time and again they had many of their own faults.Central to this story is the famous mountain man Kit Carson, a man of many contradictions: though extremely intelligent he was also illiterate; he could speak many of the native languages, understood the Indian ways, and even had Indian wives but he also participated in the slaughter and removal from their lands of these same Indians.The book also includes engaging portraits of many of the important figures of this time period:Stephen Watts Kearny, John Fremont, the Navajo warrior Narbona, and Senator Thomas Benton.Sides is even handed and honest in how he portrays all those involved.At times I felt I was reading fiction but this story is real!For a story about the modern west I have to recommend "Across the High Lonesome." I picked it up after seeing a recommendation from Larry McMurty and he was right!

A full faced history of Arizona and New Mexico
In this sweeping account the lives of Kit Karson and the Navajo nation are intertwined amid scenes of western conquest, manifest destiny, war and survival.This is an epic encounter during a great period in history when the new west, Mexicans and the American Indian as well as traders and mormons and cowboys confronted one another in what has come down to us as the Wild West.Central to the this protrait is the destruction of the Navajo Nation and thier redoubt at Canyon De Chelly, but this book includes an excellent history of the Mexican-American war and the role of Fremont and Keanry and others in opening the west.However imbedded within this is the story of Kit Karson the illiterate mountain man turned welathy notable of the american west, who married Native women and spoke a half dozen languages and was pressed into service destroying the people he truly understood.
Southwest Conquest at its Best
Hampton Sides shines in this well researched, exciting and very readable narrative of our great American Southwest.Each page is brimming with adventure, insight and judicious analysis.
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Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Frontier and pioneer life    3. History    4. History - U.S.    5. History: American    6. Indians of North America    7. Military - United States    8. Native Americans - Southwest    9. U.S. History - Westward Expansion    10. United States - 19th Century    11. United States - 19th Century/Old West    12. United States - General    13. Wars    14. West (U.S.)    15. History / United States / General   

Editorial Review

Author Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure that Read more

Reviews (537)

Enthralling!
I never thought I'd consider a book primarily about architecture enthralling, but this book is amazingly so.
A fascinating story
I received this book as a birthday gift, and although I typically read works of fiction, I found The Devil in the White City to be fascinating.The central happenings of the story (the World's Fair and the serial killings) are presented in wonderfully researched detail.Other gems of information can be found scattered throughout the book, such as references to Walt Disney's father, a carpenter who worked construction at the fair.I found it difficult to put the book down at all, and now that I've finished it I find myself still thinking about the story, the characters, and the mind-set of America in the 1890's.To me, a great book is one that stays with you long after you've read it, and I know this one qualifies.I am looking forward to reading more of Erik Larson's work.

Well researched,well written
What strikes me most about this book is the detailed research that went into the parallel story about the Chicago World's Fair and how it's woven around the story of the murders. Larson's book is a pure enjoyment--a historical journey into the history of Chicago, warts and all. The reader not only learns about Daniel Burnham's amazing feat pulling together the Columbia Exposition of 1893 and the ways it changed the nation, but he contrasts this event with America's first serial killer, ironically steps away from the fair. The reader is tugged from good to evil, from risk to murder, from heaven to hell. Enjoy the ride and thanks Mr. Larson for allowing us to take that ride! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Case studies    3. Chicago    4. Chicago (Ill.)    5. History - U.S.    6. Homicide    7. Illinois    8. Murder - General    9. Murder - Serial Killers    10. Serial murderers    11. Serial murders    12. True Crime    13. United States - 19th Century    14. United States - 19th Century/Turn of the Century    15. United States - State & Local - General    16. United States - State & Local - Midwest    17. History / United States / 20th Century    18. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (120)

Too much dialogue for an enjoyable history
This book is the story of the escape and capture of John Wilkes Booth.But, at its heart it is really the story of John Wilkes Booth and the man who accompanied him on his escape, David Herold.I really wanted to like this history, and I understand they are going to make a movie based on the author's work.I found it a bit too chatty, so much so, that by the end of it I wanted hang John Wilkes Booth.And that is the problem with this book.While it does a good job of telling how the Federal bureaucracy and the military fumbled Booth's capture, it focuses too little on that aspect.We get a lot of dialogue between Booth and those who help him make his escape, but this reader would have liked to know more about those who help Booth.Things like how the relatives of Dr. Samuel Mudd, obviously a racist and Confederate, got his life historically rehabilitated in the 20th century.After a while it just drags on.This is my first reading of anything about John Wilkes Booth and I hope there are better works out there.

Good read and hard to put down

Great read
This book is really a great read. The action flows petty much nonstop, from page one. Swanson manages to put a lot of facts in front of you, yet never bores you. I learned a lot from this book- buy it, you won't be displeased! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assassination    2. Case studies    3. Criminal Investigation    4. Criminology    5. Fugitives from justice    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History - U.S.    9. History: American    10. Investigation    11. United States    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - Civil War    14. History / General   

Editorial Review

The appeal of Dava Sobel's Read more

Reviews (235)

Stunning Tale of Old Whaling Days
I just finished this last night...wow! The narration is lively and keeps the pace of the story while the author imparts a great deal of information that could have been dull but is not. The prose is so vivid that I could not eat while reading the passages about dismembering the whale; I could almost smell the burning oil and feel the slick decks. Amazing that men made a living this way! I can hardly wait to start Philbrick's MAYFLOWER.

The short reveiw
Here is all you need to know so as not to spoil the story:
Excellent Account and Audio Read
This review refers to "In The Heart Of The Sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick, Unabridged Audio edition, read by Scott Brick
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Subjects:  1. Essex (Whaleship)    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: American    5. Latin America - Mexico    6. Maritime History    7. Pacific Ocean    8. Ships & Shipbuilding - History    9. Ships & Shipbuilding - Shipwrecks    10. Shipwrecks    11. United States - 19th Century    12. History / United States / 19th Century   

Reviews (3)

The last throes of the Civil War
Nicholas Lemann's book, "Redemption", which chronicles the turning points of Reconstruction, centers around the race struggles that occurred in Mississippi in 1874 and 1875 and his central character, a decorated Civil War hero cum governor of Mississippi, Adelbert Ames. It's a good book and a quick read.
Sean Wilentz
After reading Mr. Wilentz's review of this book in the New York Times, I can only conclude that the book's value lies in its review by Mr. Wilentz, who describes it as an "arresting piece of popular history," "uneven," and "simplisitc."I was about to buy Redemption until I read Wilentz's review.Given Mr. Wilentz's personal and cultural background, I can only encourage prospective readers of Redemption to forgo the book and read Mr. Wilentz's prize-winning offerings instead.

The Racists Win In Mississippi
Eric Foner in his "Reconstruction : America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877" (1988) wrote the definative account of the post-Civil War South. Mr. Lemann is focusing on one small rural state (Mississippi) in its struggles for racial equality during Reconstruction as opposed to Mr. Foner's big picture approach. In contrast to the images of vile carpetbaggers from "Gone with the Wind", it was southern whites terrorizing newly freed slaves to keep them from political power. The Union army was attempting to be the equalizer as it fought with the KKK, the White Line and other white supremacy groups. The author tends to idealize the Reconstruction politicians (like Adelbert Ames) and demonize the Southern whites (some of whom rightly earned demonization for their violence tactics). Still, it is a good read and a good story to know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. African Americans    3. Civil rights    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History - U.S.    8. History: American    9. Segregation    10. Southern States    11. U.S. History - Civil War And Reconstruction (1860-1877)    12. U.S. Local History - Southern States    13. United States - Civil War    14. United States - Reconstruction Period (1865-1877)    15. United States - State & Local - General    16. United States - State & Local - South    17. Violence    18. History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)   

Editorial Review

Left to his own devices, John Adams might have lived out his days as a Massachusetts country lawyer, devoted to his family and friends. As it was, events swiftly overtook him, and Adams--who, David McCullough writes, was "not a man of the world" and not fond of politics--came to greatness as the second president of the United States, and one of the most distinguished of a generation of revolutionary leaders. He found reason to dislike sectarian wrangling even more in the aftermath of war, when Federalist and anti-Federalist factions vied bitterly for power, introducing scandal into an administration beset by other difficulties--including pirates on the high seas, conflict with France and England, and all the public controversy attendant in building a nation.Read more

Reviews (631)

A Life Well Lived
The book biggest strength is that it uses many quotations of John Adams, Abigail, John Quincy Adams, and Jefferson to tell its tale. These people were intelligent and very good writers. I enjoyed the biography. I enjoyed McCullough's writing style and the leisurely pace he sets for himself. The biography clearly portrays a man who lived long, did many great things, and died at peace with himself. The book glosses over Adams' weaknesses and I thought spent way too much time on what Jefferson and Adams thought of each other, but these are minor flaws. I enjoyed Morris's biography of Roosevelt more, but this book was a good summer read and was far better than McCullough's 1776. I learned how this nation owes a great debt to this great, but flawed man.

I wish I could have met him
Like another reviewer, my interest in history is quite new. The author's presentation of John Adams left me wanting to know much more of this great man. David McCullough's excerpting of Adams' professional and personal writings exposed a passionate man of deep convictions and possessed of an intellect and idealism beyond his generation. While Mr. Adams was acutely aware of and deplored his own ego, he, at the same time was critical of his own limitations. Even with this conflict, Adams could still say, "I thank God that he gave me stubborness when I am right."
More quotes and facts, less opinions and emotions.
First of all, I did not exactly 'read' this biography. Instead I purchased the CD version which I distilled via my car sound system every morning on my way to work (I have enjoyed countless biographies of great american figures this way, and still been able to read many more technology related books).
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Subjects:  1. 1735-1826    2. 1775-1783    3. Adams, John,    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Politics and government    10. Presidents    11. Presidents & Heads of State    12. U.S. History - Constitutional Period To Civil War (1789-1860)    13. U.S. President    14. United States    15. United States - Colonial Period    16. United States - Revolutionary War    17. Adams, John    18. American history: c 1500 to c 1800    19. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    20. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents    21. Biography: historical    22. Political leaders & leadership    23. USA   

Editorial Review

Abraham Lincoln, who had worked as a riverboat pilot before turning to politics, knew a thing or two about the problems of transporting goods and people from place to place. He was also convinced that the United States would flourish only if its far-flung regions were linked, replacing sectional loyalties with an overarching sense of national destiny.Read more

Reviews (207)

a wonderful journey back in time
we loved this book - transported back to a time where our country was expanding - highly recommend

Very Well Written, Factual and Fulfilling!
Stephen Ambrose did a great job of explaining the complicated details that led to the miracle of the transcontinental railroad. Anyone who appreciates herculean feats and the web of intrigue surrounding their beginnings, eventual birth and their effect on our great country will love this story. A true five star book.

The Great race
An engrossing story about the companies and the men behind the building of the Railroad from Omaha to Sacramento. The US Government with its hands tied in the Civil war, sets up a competition between 2 private companies Union Pacific and the Central Pacific who start laying tracks from Omaho and Sacramento. The book details the progress through each state, with insight into the leaders and the workforce behind the construction. Then it reaches a fast pace once we enter Utah where the two tracks meet.
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Subjects:  1. 19th centurry    2. 19th century    3. Central Pacific Railroad Compa    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: American    7. Railroad construction workers    8. Railroads    9. Railroads - History    10. U.S. History - Civil War And Reconstruction (1860-1877)    11. United States    12. United States - 19th Century/Old West    13. United States - Civil War    14. United States - Reconstruction Period (1865-1877)    15. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    16. History / United States / General    17. Railway transport industries    18. Trains & railways: general interest    19. USA    20. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (7)

A Classic Contribution
In this revised and expanded edition, scholar John Blassingame explains not only what facts researched uncovered but also how he uncovered those facts. In particular, Blassingame's research emphasizes slave narratives and slave letters.
Great Book for Reseach on Slavery
This book has helped me in my independent study of slavery and family research. It gives a very good insight from the slaves perspective. Other books I have read, the insight comes from the owners prospective. A companion book to this one is "Tewlve Years a Slave" by Solomon Northup.

A realistic portrayal of plantation life
Blassingame succeeds in sheding light on the real-life culture of the black slave in the Antebellum South: his African heritage, culture, family, acculturation, behavior, religion, and personality.Rather than concentrating solely on the planter - the traditional way of approaching the subject - Blassingame attempts to clarify and distill the essence of slave life through the filter of three eyewitness accounts.Two of them, the planter and the slave, give an insider's view of the plantation while the third witness, the traveler, views the relation between slave and master from the perspective of an outsider.Blassingame then utilizes the raw material of these personal observations to construct a detailed account of the day-to-day life of a slave - providing the reader with an insightful glimpse into the Negro's African heritage, the development of an Americanized culture, the formation of families, acculturation and behavior patterns when not under white supervision, religious preferences and beliefs, and personality traits.
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Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. History - U.S.    3. History: American    4. Plantation life    5. Slavery    6. Slavery in the U.S    7. Southern States    8. United States - Antebellum Era    9. United States - State & Local - General    10. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    11. Black studies    12. History, American | African American    13. Social Science / African-American Studies    14. Southeastern & South Atlantic states    15. USA    16. c 1800 to c 1900   

Editorial Review

A biography of Meriwether Lewis that relies heavily on the journals of both Lewis and Clark, this book is also backed up by the author's personal travels along Lewis and Clark's route to the Pacific. Ambrose is not content to simply chronicle the events of the "Corps of Discovery" as the explorers called their ventures. He often pauses to assess the military leadership of Lewis and Clark, how they negotiated with various native peoples and what they reported to Jefferson. Though the expedition failed to find Jefferson's hoped for water route to the Pacific, it fired interest among fur traders and other Americans, changing the face of the West forever. ... Read more

Reviews (318)

Vivid and entertaining
When I read this book it helped me get ahead in history amazingly. I may just be one of those odd people, but to me, the 200 year old mistakes and goof-ups were hilarious. Although he is descriptive, Ambrose does not mince words.
great book
i loved this book. i knew i would before picking it up, and i wonder if that had anything to do with the 5 star approval on my part. ambrose can tell history like no other. i tried a few other lewis and clark books, but i like a good story rather than history books, and this one is both.

Absolutely Wonderful Reading
Stephen Ambrose takes history and turns it into a fascinating, easy read. It was exciting to learn so much while at the same time enjoying every turn. History has never been this much fun! The author writes in such a way that you feel as if you are actually watching the events take place before your very eyes. This is a definate, must read!
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Subjects:  1. (1804-1806)    2. 1774-1809    3. Biography    4. Explorers    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History - U.S.    8. History: World    9. Lewis and Clark Expedition    10. Lewis, Meriwether,    11. United States    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - 19th Century/Old West    14. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    15. Geographical discovery & exploration    16. History / United States / General    17. USA   

Reviews (30)

The most brilliant mind in today's mediocre world
Although this author once bashed a book I had written, I refused to turn away from this writer and miss out on the writings of the most brilliant mind and greatest wordsmith since Winston Churchill.I never tire of seeing him on talk shows where his brillance simply overpowers everyone attempting to put him down.I buy and read every book written by this author, and his output is unbelievable -- obviously thoughts flow from his mind straight onto the page.Reading one of this author's books remind me of being thrust into the midst of a mind feast.Like your mother's best Sunday dinner, it's just impossible to push back.I'm now reading his latest, THOMAS JEFFERSON, and I recommend it, as I highly recommend all of Hitchen's books to you.Jean Sasson, author of Mayada, Daughter of Iraq

HItch is so brilliant, I sometimes think that I must be stupid
However, Reading his books, make me feel like I get a chance to understand what it must be like to be brilliant. I loved this book on Jefferson, an easier read than most of his books, becasue I love what Jefferson understood. In spite of the new revisionist history that is being taught today in American schools ( Jefforson came to America for his own financial benfits, he was a slave owner, he raped women, etc. etcl.etc.)I found this book to be refreshing, as it tells of one of the most important founders of this democracy that allows teachers to teach drivel to my child, which I must un-do when he returns home. If I could only get the teachers to read this book, perhaps saying the Pledge of Alligence would not be "nerdy" and would be stated wth pride, as I fear that we are losing our country, to political correctness, lack of values, loss of religion (I know Hitchens hates religion, but we have to agree to disagree)and values of democracy being bitten away by Islam and the desire to resetablish a Caliphate here in America. Read this book, and be proud to live in the best country in the world.

Here'sJeffersonrewrittenas aneocon
This amusing exercise in literary invention and clever psycho-babble portrays Jefferson as the original neocon who had the wisdom and foresight to establish useful precedents for today's neoconservatives.
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Subjects:  1. 1743-1826    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Jefferson, Thomas,    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. United States    11. United States - 19th Century    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. Biography & Autobiography / Presidents   

Reviews (28)

Relevant

Fabulous
This edition should be a must read for all.
Democracy in America
In truth I haven't read the book as of yet, however, it was purchased to read De Torqueville thoughts of democracy and how both countries could profess democracy and uphold slavery.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient, Classical & Medieval    2. History - General History    3. Literary Collections    4. Literature: Classics    5. Political Ideologies - Democracy    6. Political Process - General    7. Politics and government    8. Social conditions    9. To 1865    10. United States    11. United States - 19th Century    12. Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (43)

Heavily referenced and objective
This book is an excellently written account of who Joseph Smith was. Although the author is LDS, it is obvious that he went through much effort to ensure an objective opinion based on legitimate sources. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to know what kind of man it was who claimed to be the first modern-day prophet.

Read Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power for more of JS's story
It must be remembered that RSR is an apologetic book. Yes, it raises some issues from church history that are troublesome to your average TBM, but Bushman gives his take on it to make the truth easier to take. Any real American Historian can see the apologetic interpretations Bushman inserts.
No man knows my history until now,sort of.
you'd think a new book after the Brodie book would have alot of new stuff,but if you thought that you'd be thinking wrong.For instance the defection of the witnesses the Whitmers. In the Brodie book,the Whitmer's reason for leaving is presented as because they developed their own properties and wished to live their lives free from interference by Mormon heirarchy. The Whitmers stated that they wished rather to "abide by the laws of the land",meaning the present United States government as represented by the Constitution.Their choice.They were houndogged and branded apostates by the Mormon church. In the Bushman book,the author defends Smith's harsh actions implying that the Whitmers were greedy,taking land purchased by Mormons for Mormons and then keeping it privately.I know the book isn't about the Whitmers but even the short paragraphs devoted to this subject are vastly different.It reminds one of the school shop project that was only 1/32 of an inch off when it began. Then by the time the project was finished it was unrecognizable cause that 1/32 was 12 board feet at the end. I realize the same can be said for the Brodie book,but at least in both books the authors tried to get at the root(which was economic for both Smith and the Whitmers). Initially when the scandal first hit in the 1840's,it was presented by the Mormons as the Whitmers had denounced the book of Mormon and lost their souls.Ho-hum!! Also there was little emphasis placed on the editing of the Book of Mormon by Smith's associates,whereas the Brodie book mentions numerous occasions of Smiths' more scholarly affiliates cleaning up his"countryisms". It makes you wonder how many other cleanings occurred not mentioned.The Brodie book left me with the remembrance of the old adage,"Power corrupts,absolute power corrupts absolutely",a proverb that applied to Smith.You can't help but assess an economic motive for people following the pronouncements of the prophet from reading the Brodie book.If you're a landless working mechanic or artisan working for starvation wages in any slum in the new or old world and someone offers you land and credit and a chance to better your station,are you going to count their wives or debate theology?Even if the leaders wanted your wife,could you say no,being as vulnerable as a person was in the frontier areas in the 1840's. Remember the Mormon church offered the immigrant protection,security and work.Like Tennesse Ford says,"I owe my soul to the company store".In both books the authors acknowledge that Mormon missionaries generally went to areas of skilled labor(but poor) to gain their converts.Poor and unskilled?Now there's a real challenge that only a saint or masochist will tackle.As I finished Bookman's book I said,"yes Smith is controversial"(but who isn't,a mixture of good and bad). Bushman gives the example of Smith ruining his business by giving away everything without demanding payment. Was this after or before stealing someone else's wife? Also since a person had to hand all their resources over when joining the church there would be plenty of new resources.With the Brodie book I said,even if I have only deceived myself,"I think I own this Smith guy". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1805-1844    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)    7. Mormons    8. Religious    9. Smith, Joseph,    10. United States    11. United States - 19th Century    12. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    13. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    14. Mormons (Church of Latter Day Saints)    15. Religion & Beliefs    16. USA   

Reviews (56)

fascinating history
Well written and revealing early history of Teddy Roosevelt.A very inspiring story showing how one can overcome perceived weaknesses to achieve greatness.

Another classic from a great historian
The glowing reviews have it right so I will add a couple of notes.First, McCullough was able to place the individuals and events in such amazing historical context that I understood the facts and details as much as if I had lived in that period. He just has an amazing gift to bring history "alive."
Liked it, but not on par with Truman and Adams....
McCullough is a great writer, but this book got too detailed on things I didn't really care about.....I love the history, and believe you should read this if the topic interests you, but Truman and Adams are 2 of the greatest and this one just doesn't measure up to those.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1858-1919    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Childhood and youth    7. General    8. Presidents    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. Roosevelt, Theodore    11. Roosevelt, Theodore,    12. United States    13. United States - 19th Century/Turn of the Century    14. Biography & Autobiography / General    15. Biography: general    16. USA   

Reviews (21)

A true prize-winner

Wilentz has matured
In chants Democratic Wilentz went to great lengths to portray the Jacksonians as "co-opters" and subverters of "true democracy", which was pretty much the party line of the Marxist academic establishment at the time. Now Wilentz is accepting what many continue to reject: namely, that American history cannot be understood if one insists that it isn't democratic.Measuring political outcomes on the basis of pie in the sky ideals has always been absurd and reflects a profound ignorance of the nature of democratic politics and policy making.
Superband Detailed Survey of American Political Life from Jefferson to Lincoln
The Rise of American Democracy will, hopefully, raise interest in the relatively neglected period from the inauguration of Jefferson to the election of Lincoln in 1860.
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Subjects:  1. 18th century    2. 19th century    3. Democracy    4. History    5. History & Theory - General    6. History - General History    7. History - U.S.    8. History: American    9. Political History    10. Political Ideologies - Democracy    11. Politicians    12. Presidents    13. United States    14. United States - 19th Century    15