Thought Provoking historical viewpoint
349075
Interesting and thought provoking  dialogue on various historical events..  Reading requires carefully attention when author digresses to historical references if not you can lose story line. Excellent descriptive language  particularity hunting he deer.
259196
This book gives good food for thought  Gives Connection between history and current time. Promotes conversation from several different viewpoints
716044
History can be viewed from a variety of perspectives, and Robert Dallek has chosen to present the critical transition from the end of World War II through the early years of the Cold War from the perspective of the world leaders most influential in shaping it. He walks us through the key events and highlights the domestic and foreign influences on the decision-makers. He doesn't hesitate to analyze how things might have gone differently if the leaders could have overcome mutual distrust and had better information, better-informed domestic audiences, and greater willingness to compromise in both domestic and international arenas. Combined with Dallek's formidable storytelling skills, this makes for a thought-provoking and well-paced read.
Professional historians and serious history buffs may wish for more depth in the coverage of this complex period and its many interesting characters. But this book is not written for them - it's for the rest of us, who may not have experienced proper treatment of this period in our history classes. It certainly will get you engaged, and probably prompt you to look for more sources on Churchill, Roosevelt, Truman, Stalin, Mao, and other personalities who played important roles. In other words, it's vastly more successful than any history textbook I was subjected to in school.
4432622
I enjoyed reading this book, even though I knew the outcome was not pleasant. It is thought-provoking and worthy of much discussion with fellow readers.
700965
An abridged version of a multi-volume history of England from 1680 written in the 1840's.  This is a narrative history of men, ideas and politics.  The focus is on the 1680's when modern England was formed, keeping some of the feudal, medieval, cultural past, but becoming a thoroughly new and more complex world.  Kings and queens matter, but have lost their absolute authority, balanced by the power of religious and political bodies.  England bullies Ireland and Scotland, with self-interested justification.  England, Spain, France, the Netherlands and other nations jockey for position.  The Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and other churches establish their positions.  This history is focused on military, political and religious conflicts rather than the progress of trade, arts and sciences.  For Americans, the notion that England was wrestling with many of the issues of the American Revolution a century earlier may come as a surprise.  The author tells interesting stories that support his world view and justification for the commanding English world view of the nineteenth century.  As for America in the twentieth century there is a sense of providential guidance and exceptionalism.  With another 150 years of perspective many of the self-serving national beliefs are obviously wishfull thinking.  This book is a great reminder of man's need to make sense of his universe, using the best available tools and have faith that there is progress, not merely recurring cycles of growth and decline.
2725479
A very thought provoking book with a lot to ponder.  Some seems a little redundant and "wordy" but perhaps it is necessary because considering the whole book it all comes together at the end.
765981
Interesting perspective. Kind of views I have
1414256
An interesting look at the times that created Jesus as an historical figure in juxtaposition to what we understand of him as a religious figure from sacred texts. It is the sort of thinking critical to understanding the life of Jesus whether or not you are a Christian.
1691070
I would say this was a thought provoking book about our present crisis. Its a difficult topic but Ritholtz used a helpful format of short chapters and "Intermezzo"s. Although it's a difficult topic it's quite readable and he allows you to see the Gall of some of these highly educated,formerly respected, well heeled THIEVES of WALL STREET.
1206466
Well written, very informative and thought provoking work. Gave me some different perspectives to think about and ideas to appreciate.
779361
The book covered some very thought provoking reading and certainly made the reader think back to past revelations and where we are today.
784790
This book starts off slow but picks up speed, very enjoyable read. I also found the historical concept presented in this book as quite interesting, definitely a different take on history.
1458629
A little dated but a great read from a historical perspective!
975405
Mark Ledbetter has assembled a very interesting approach to historic America.  Having completed "Foundations" after having read histories written by Ambrose and others, the author has helped enrich my understanding of Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, Tecumseh, and others.  Each of these stalwarts is shown to be very human.  The background discussion of the Declaration of Independence and Federal Papers helps explain the tensions between the merchantile New England and aristocratic/agricultural Southern settlers.

This book is not a typical history with footnotes sprinkled throughout and contains opinion by David Ledbetter that seems very helps the reader think differently about modern politics in our Nation. Think you know American history...wait until you read this!
4079306
What distinguishes a great president from other men that occupy the presidency? Robert W. Merry offers his perspective that the great leaders have the ability to lead in spite of opposition. They are visionaries with a strong sense of purpose and possess the abilities to reach their goals to benefit the nation.

This book is a thought provoking illustration about leadership coupled with a reflection of the our country's historical setting as a backdrop to the election and administration of each president. This leads to debate and discussion and I think that this is the power of this book.

I enjoyed Merry's reflection about the rating of current presidents in comparison to how I feel that they will be rated.

Anyone who enjoys studying American history and/or American politics will enjoy reading this book.
279944
Thought provoking . Learning new interpretations snd theories even with a degree in bible studies.
Puts a new perspective on the interrelationship of Judiasm,Christianity and Islam.
1940491
This book took me on an interesting journey into the world of famine with its historical perspective and insights into our situation today. The depth and breadth of thinking by the writer will astonish.