Best American History Book I've Seen!
580166
I discovered the very talented historian William J. Bennett when I found a hardcover edition of "The Book of Virtues for Young People" at a used bookstore.  If that book is "a treasury of great moral stories for children," then "America: The Last Best Hope" is a treasury of our country's great moral history for grown-ups.

But America: The Last Best Hope is not dry history (which is something I ardently detest!  It's incredibly interesting and will instill a greater love in you for our country.  Our foundations and beginnings make us a country different from any other.  The book I received for review is the last book in the series.  It tells the historical story of America that includes most of the time I've been alive in it, so that made it very significant to me.

Whatever your political opinions or bent, this book is worth reading!  "A great piece of work" "adults will find refreshing and enlightening," commentators say.

The back cover explains it all so much better than I can:

"American began to breathe easy at the close of the Cold War and loosened its grip on the fear of nuclear confrontation for the first time since World War 2.  Peace was palpable, but in retrospect the years between 1988 and 2008 were as rocky as they were uncertain.  Turbulence, not tranquility, marked the turn of the century... Bennett captures this recent chapter in the American story with piercing insight and unrelenting optimism."

This book was provided to me by the awesome people at Thomas Nelson in exchange for a thoughtful and honest review.
4487406
This book was a life-changing experience for me. I read it on a whim 3 years ago, on an audio CD, and it has made all the difference. Before reading it I thought I was reasonably well-educated in American history; after all, I have a college degree and am reasonably well read. Listening to the book I learned two important things: American history is far more vibrant than I suspected, and the facts are much different than my high school history books led me to believe.

In the book, I learned the truth about the Reconstruction era which in high school was portrayed as the battle between the evil northern carpetbaggers and the noble southerners seeking to reclaim their birthright...not so! I found portraits of Helen Keller and Woodrow Wilson that were completely different from the pap I had carried in my head since high school. I understood for the first time the magnitude of the crimes we Americans committed against the native peoples living here when we arrived and later against many classes of immigrants, particularly the Chinese in the 19th century and the Japanese in the 20th.

In short, this book was written with people like me in mind: people who learned American history from high school textbooks containing watered down American mythology rather than the real American story with all its warts, triumphs and failures.

After finishing this book, I went back to school and have now taken 2 college-level American history classes, 2 African history classes and am poised to begin an Eastern Civilization sequence this fall. I've come very late to a basic understanding of history, and I owe it all to this book.
1087000
WOW. Very well written and NOT just for KIDS! The True stories of how our beautiful country became the UNITED STATES of AMERICA.
I have read these books myself and found them excellent; helped me remember my American history and even gave me more info from England to Freedom in America. KIDS LOVE these books and many KIDS who are Home Schooled read them to get the "real" American History that seems to be no longer taught in our public schools. LOVE ALL HIS BOOKS on Rush Revere. Thank YOU.
3985918
This has been the best read on American History I have had in a very long time.  Dr. Bennett has written, what I consider, the most balanced history book in a very long time.  He treats both sides of the debate in various conflicts we have had in our history with proper respect.  It should be the standard for our high school and undergraduate American History Survey classes.  It is the model of how writers should treat history.

I have read in another review that the material is a little cramped but given that this book is a survey of American history and not an in-depth study of all aspects of American history it serves its purpose well.  I recommended for all those who are lovers of history or those who have history foisted upon them.  I would also recommend this book to those who hates history.  I believe it will change your feelings towards this rich subject.
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!
3996817
Most Americans (let alone non-\Americans) have no idea about those presidents after 1860. I learned so much from this book, not only about Cleveland, but about AMerican culture, society, and politics of that period. I think more people should read about this era, especially this book, which was clearly written and entertaining.
1211878
I'm not a professional book reviewer but I'll give it my best.
I sat with my 8yr old daughter and we read this book together. We both loved it. It is written in a way that people of all ages can enjoy it. It's short enough (64 pages) to read in one sitting, but long enough to tell the story of the battle of Trenton. The pictures are beautiful and help to tell the story as well. I recommend this book if you are looking to help get your child into American history or light that Patriotic fire within yourself! Great job Mr. Levin! I will be purchasing Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Illustrated next.
2274180
This is without a doubt one of the best early American history books I've read.  I makes all the "stuff" I learned in school make sense or maybe I'm older and can understand a bit better now.  At any rate I highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in learning about how this wonderful country got started and why much of what we have today is the way it is.  I hope there is a sequal by the same author.
3878223
Every single page makes you feel like you're there watching this unfold as it occurs. I could not put it down. I'm a big Lincoln history buff and this was by far, the best book regarding the topic. The things you learn in Swanson's book were things your teachers and professors never discussed in class. Swanson does justice to both Abe Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. Bravo, I say! This is easily my favorite book in my collection.

A MUST READ!
398485
THis book was amazing! It is highly readable and keeps moving. It is not a dull history book with repeating chapters. The book covers everyhting from Colombus to Clinton in the view of workers, the poor, immigrants, etc. You'll find great information on womens roghts movements, Vietnam, Carter-Regan-bush Bipartisan deals, Black rights movemnets, slavery, and much more. I reccommend this book to anyone and everyone who ias willing to read it!! Tells the true history and manners used in history of "The best country on earth".
2691877
This book was better than I could have even hopes for.  Now I'm planning a trip to Arlington ! Must read for anyone who enjoys American history.
4303766
Great story, great writing, excellent source of inforrnation on early American history!
1615824
I have two advanced degrees in history and have read hundreds...and I mean hundreds of history books for one reason or another. But I have to say this series, especially this book, as well as the one immediately before and after it, are brilliant. I went into them knowing a great deal about the American musical theater but left with double the knowledge and a real, out loud laugh or two. Amazing books--if you love this very American art form, read these books!
720115
We went to the theater to see it and took a friend. Excellent production! We bought several copies of the dvd and gave some to other people. We also bought several copies of the book. Finally, some sound truth on America's history! This one would be great for schools/kids/homeschoolers.
1801593
A great fun and educational read for both children and adults, making true American history fun!  Looking forward to future books by Rush Limbaugh on American history!
2381314
Marc Leepson has written a facinating book about American history.  Uriah Levy and Jefferson Levy were among the very first people in this country to recognize the value of historic preservation; and both devoted their lives and fortunes for Monticello and Jeffersonian ideals.  The story of how Monticello endured neglect, lawsuits, and the American Civil war spans pivotal decades in our history.  The dramatic conflict between Maud Littleton and Jefferson Levy, along with the many historic details, makes this a perfect book for both the serious historian and anybody looking for a good read.  Bravo, Mr. Leepson!
2792449
What a great book to learn a little bit about Americana!  Anyone interested in any American history will definitely enjoy reading this.  The enginuity of the inventors of these patent models is amazing.  This is a very unique book.