A History of the American People

Author - Paul M. Johnson ... [Goo?] [Posters]

This Paperback Book item from Harper Perennial was reviewed on 12-Dec-2008.

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1) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. I read this book years ago and wrote a review that seems to have been removed. This is by far the most in-depth, detailed, and interesting history you will ever read. It amuses me that so many people call it "biased," etc. Johnson does not give opinions. He provides facts and, contrary to many of the reviews herein, provides endnotes in support of those facts. The book runs over 900 pages, so if you are lazy and slow, avoid this one. Otherwise, just be patient. You wil be rewarded.¤

2) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. Maybe I am biased, but in my opinion, one of the good things about being an American is that our history is really interesting. Sure, other countries have their moments, but it was the United States that went toe-to-toe against the mighty British Empire - and won. Ours was the only example in world history of a violent revolution bringing about a change in government in which those who engaged in the fighting did not try to maintain their own power, but voluntarily stepped down when voted out. And although slavery existed for thousands of years over large sections of the planet, it was Americans who voted in a President knowing full well it would probably tear us apart and force a civil war. Man, this is high drama.

There is, of course, so much to American history that it can be daunting. If one wants a single, albeit lengthy, book for an excellent overview, it would be hard to top A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, by the prolific Paul Johnson. From pre-Revolutionary times to the near present day, Johnson presents this nation´s history in a manner that gives enough of the facts to learn something meaningful without focusing so sharply on any one period or issue as a more focused book would do. To make it all the better, Johnson is actually a good writer, making the book as interesting as it is informative.

Many of Johnson´s critics accuse him of putting a conservative slant on his writing. I have been around the block enough to know how this argument works. Conservatives tell America´s story warts and all, while liberals tell America´s story as all warts. Liberals then accuse conservatives of being slanted, not because conservatives exclude the bad parts, but because they include the good parts, as well. And for all the anti-Americanism out there, telling all the bad and all the good of America does not balance the scale. If one judges a nation not on the amount of problems it has or the amount of injustice within that country, but on the willingness of that country to face such injustice head on and deal with it, then the U.S. deserves its pre-eminent place among world societies. For all the griping on the left, I am convinced that many on that side of the spectrum know this as well.

A HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE demonstrates this. Although I think Johnson does show his beliefs a bit too much in those sections on the mid to late 20th Century, the book overall is biased only in its attempt to portray American history accurately. Although Johnson is obviously fond of Americans, anyone expecting an uncritical cheerleader for U.S policy and history will be sorely disappointed. As the book is over 1,000 pages, selectively picking passages to demonstrate bias is a bit tough to take.

For anyone who wants to learn about American history, and for those Americans not ashamed of their own country, this book is highly recommended. Do not let the size of it intimidate you. I myself picked it up and put it down several times before finally making my way through it. Like many lengthy endeavors, it will be well worth it when it´s done.¤

3) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. I ´ain´t´ smart enough to see that much of a political slant. Especially early in History, I forget the position the whigs had on immigration.

Forget all that liberal/conservative stuff this book is just a really good, in-depth american history. You cant read it in a weekend. I couldn´t read it in a month...but I kept picking it up till I finished it. Considering how big a volume it is and my preference for only reading the 1st third a book. The only explanation that I got through this one is that it is really well written and interesting as hell.

I recommend this book to anyone.¤

4) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. This is a very informative book to read because I have read this book in History class and made an "A". Everybody in class was required to buy the book but I was not disappointed with its historical values.¤

5) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. Recommended for two types of readers: 1) The person who wants to get an overview of U.S. history in one easy-to-read (but large) volume; and 2) those who, like myself, have read many American biographies and histories. We can benefit in at least two respects. First, we get to share a history of our nation as seen from an outsider´s perspective. Second, we learn factual history that somehow never made it into the books we have read, perhaps because we, collectively, were not much interested.
My comment avoids political controversy, so I´ll stick with the earlier portion of the book.
First, the beginnings of American slavery were brand new to me, and fascinating.
Second -- and as a Philadelphian news to me -- was Johnson´s view of the northern colonies/States´ support of slavery. Quakers in Barbados, rich from slave trading, moving to North America! news to me.
Especially appreciated was Johnson´s discussion of the "thousand years of political traditions, inherited from England," which formed the basis of our Founding Fathers´ political actions.
Johnson attributes to Madison´s famous "We, the people" Lincoln´s rationale for not permitting States to leave the Union.
And more, much more. Buy it. Enjoy it!
One word of warning: read cautiously; Johnson has some blunders, the funniest of which is calling Horatio Gates "Horatio Alger."
¤

6) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. "The creation of the United States of America is the greatest of all human adventures," begins Paul Johnson´s remarkable new American history. "No other national story holds such tremendous lessons, for the American people themselves and for the rest of mankind." Johnson´s history is a reinterpretation of American history from the first settlements to the Clinton administration. It covers every aspect of U.S. history--politics; business and economics; art, literature and science; society and customs; complex traditions and religious beliefs. The story is told in terms of the men and women who shaped and led the nation and the ordinary people who collectively created its unique character. Wherever possible, letters, diaries, and recorded conversations are used to ensure a sense of actuality. "The book has new and often trenchant things to say about every aspect and period of America´s past," says Johnson, "and I do not seek, as some historians do, to conceal my opinions."

Johnson´s history presents John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, Cotton Mather, Franklin, Tom Paine, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison from a fresh perspective. It emphasizes the role of religion in American history and how early America was linked to England´s history and culture and includes incisive portraits of Andrew Jackson, Chief Justice Marshall, Clay, Lincoln, and Jefferson Davis. Johnson shows how Grover Cleveland and Teddy Roosevelt ushered in the age of big business and industry and how Woodrow Wilson revolutionized the government´s role. He offers new views of Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover and of Franklin Roosevelt´s New Deal and his role as commander in chief during World War II. An examination of the unforeseen greatness of Harry Truman and reassessments of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Reagan, and Bush follow. "Compulsively readable," said Foreign Affairs of Johnson´s unique narrative skills and sharp profiles of people.

This is an in-depth portrait of a great people, from their fragile origins through their struggles for independence and nationhood, their heroic efforts and sacrifices to deal with the `organic sin´ of slavery and the preservation of the Union to its explosive economic growth and emergence as a world power and its sole superpower. Johnson discusses such contemporary topics as the politics of racism, education, Vietnam, the power of the press, political correctness, the growth of litigation, and the rising influence of women. He sees Americans as a problem-solving people and the story of America as "essentially one of difficulties being overcome by intelligence and skill, by faith and strength of purpose, by courage and persistence...Looking back on its past, and forward to its future, the auguries are that it will not disappoint humanity."

This challenging narrative and interpretation of American history by the author of many distinguished historical works is sometimes controversial and always provocative. Johnson´s views of individuals, events, themes, and issues are original, critical, and admiring, for he is, above all, a strong believer in the history and the destiny of the American people.¤

7) Paperback Book A History of the American People by Harper Perennial. Paul Johnson, whose previous works include the distinguished Modern Times and A History of the Jews, has produced an epic that spans the history of the American people over the past 400 years. The prolific narrative covers every aspect of U.S. history, from science, customs, religion, and politics to the individual men and women who have helped shape the nation. His detailed, provocative examinations of political and social icons, from Lyndon Johnson to Norman Rockwell, are especially strong. Johnson´s text is intelligent and rich with detail, and yet extremely accessible for anyone interested in a reinterpretive analysis of America´s past.

What makes this book unique is Johnson´s approach to this self-professed Herculean task. The prevalent tone throughout is optimism. Whether he´s discussing race relations, industrialization, the history of women, immigrants, Vietnam, or political correctness, Johnson--a staunch conservative who was born, bred, and educated in England--is openly enamored with America´s past, particularly the hardships and tribulations that the nation has had to overcome. He sees this story as a series of important lessons, not just for Americans but for the whole of mankind as well. At a time when other contemporary scholars find it easier to bemoan the past, Johnson offers the reader "a compelling antidote to those who regard the future with pessimism."¤

Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 9-Jan-2009, 00609303499780060930349, 550-310-490-020-700-360-8

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