For a history buff, this is a politically and ...
340574
For a history buff, this is a politically and historically insightful account of the civil unrest leading up to, during and after 1968.
1468254
Not exactly what I thought it would be, but it really gives a lot of history in a short period of reading.
1918027
It is a very interesting book, particularly for any history buff, and especially for a Texas history buff.  But, especially toward the end of the book, it becomes quite clear that the author has an agenda - something more than just reporting history - and that he doesn't entirely understand - or doesn't want to understand - the legal system.
1663339
I never really thought about the "politics" of that era and found this a fascinating story and an enjoyable read.
3057733
This was quite an informative read -- not just concerning a lesser-known period in Washington's life, but also re the development and ratification of the Constitution, and the political goings-on leading up to the first presidential and congressional elections.

While this is not the focus of the book, it may suggest some careful publicity -- or even duplicity -- on the part of the Federalists who worked so hard to get the constitution ratified. If I remember what I've learned about the Federalist Papers, they took a somewhat narrower view of the Necessary and Proper Clause and the General Welfare Clause than the drafters initially intended.
3061961
Most Americans don't know a lot about the intrigues that led up to the French declaration of war against Prussia in 1870, a calamity that led to the downfall of Napoleon III and his Second Empire. This book aims to bring light to that era, and does it fairly well. I think, however, that this was not written for the casual reader, but rather for those who already possess some knowledge of the personalities and issues of the day. Often the author speaks about some person or incident as if the reader should know about this man or thing already. With no explanation given, the lay reader is at a complete loss to understand what's happening, or who's doing something. Also, the language of the work does not allow easy reading; it's more academically oriented, with many references to other historians and their works and opinions on the subject. I did learn much that I didn't know before, howver, particularly about the famous Ems telegram, and the author's opinion that it was not the overriding cause of the war that I had always believed it to be. For that alone, I thought this book worth reading.
3661031
As others have noted, the period and events covered are complex and involve many people. This is a great deep-dive into the accession struggles of the 14th-15th centuries for fans of the period with a basic knowledge of the Wars of the Roses in place. For those just getting engaged in this period of British History, other more facile and high-level historical overviews would be a better first-choice.
2299540
No you need to read this to find out how it all turns out. The historical aspects are fascinating too .
1242069
If you are a fan of ancient Rome and Roman politics this book is your cup of tea. I found it interesting to read about the machinations of politics in Roman times. However, I thought it was a slow read, sometimes tedious. It seems not much has changed since then in the political arena .
1300088
It is interesting to see the political and societal perspective of Marx. I would like to learn more about the culture of the times to put this in context, since I have forgotten so much of my high school history knowledge.
1328753
I have mixed feelings about this book.  Some of the stories are fascinating and well done while others I found hard to get into.  But any history lover will enjoy reading it.
384826
As a person who is not a serious student of history, I found some of this short book a slog. But much of the presentation was interesting, such as the concept of governments preferring to go to war to stave off demands for social progress. Discussions of the fierce nationalism and gung-ho attitude to war are chilling in the current political climate. I would consider reading a different author's take on the leadup to The Great War for a different perspective.
2003094
Well worth purchase IF you love this period of history - otherwise, probably not a book you would like reading
4970778
This book of fiction includes many historical events and facts.  It is about politics from WWII (FDR and Truman) to the 2008 presidential campaign.  If Uris is a seer, the president won't be female, thank Goodness, but our first Jewish-born man to take over the Oval Office.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in 'Nature' that "man is a god in ruins..."  Not just any man but one with an inflated ego who will not allow himself to admit defeat.  That describes the current U. S. President.  The Democrats candidate is governor of Colorado, Quin O'Connell, who was adopted by Irish-Catholic parents in 1948.  America is tired of wars, death and retaliation leading to destruction of this country if it is allowed to continue.  We need a peacemaker.

In 2008, the nation's first black FBI director to complement the first black Secretary of State decides to expose the backgound of the Democrat frontrunner, on orders from his boss.  As they orchestrate college riots, like during the Vietnam War, with their infiltrators called claverns to bomb areas, it starts to look like the "Keystone Cops."  When to hold and when to fold, executive order to put "Joy Streets" into motion to desecrate synagogues and cemeteries.  Anti-semitism in this country resembling that in Germany and Poland during the Holocaust.  This time the black muslims and skin heads will be used to put the blame on the clan.  IN Memphis, they expect one thousand as a show of force.

It could have been an other Holocaust all over again, but our country is now more civilized and overcame.  Perhaps they have not overcome, but we have.  It was time for a change, a time to return to our roots.
4032337
Historically informative.  Although readers interested in this subject may have read other accounts of the various events.  This book puts it all within one cover.  It draws some conclusions that may or may not be the correct ones.  Not sure if some of them are politically motivated.
3841710
This slim volumn is full of history that usually exists only between the lines in the mainstream press.  It is written in a style that is casual and more like oratory or a musical piece that constanly returns to the main themes as the facts unfold rather than a 1000 page history textbook.  A story not understood by most in the US, and a must for those wishing to fill in some of the blanks in their knowledge of US foreign policy.  The questions raised are disturbing.
500692
the fights,twist of politics,and describing the characters are good