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A History of the American People

A History of the American People

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Item Description

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."

Product Details

  • Author: Paul M. Johnson
  • Publication Date: 1999-03-01
  • Publisher: Harper Perennial
  • Product Group: Book
  • Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
  • Binding: Paperback, 1104 pages
  • Package Dimensions:
    • Dimensions: 790L x 530W x 200H
    • Weight: 195
  • List Price: $20.99
  • ISBN: 0060930349
  • ASIN: 0060930349

Customer Reviews

Average Amazon User Rating: 4.0 stars

5 stars Excellent Read 2010-04-13

Reviewer: James Rushford

This is a comprehensive, upbeat review of American History. It should be required reading in school.

3 stars OK for an overview of US history but not an indepth look 2010-04-06

Reviewer: Gary Vance Nichols

I used this book in my class on US History up to 1865. Like any other history book on a nation this is an overview, many subjects will be skipped over but many will be touched upon as well. There is no such thing as a perfect history book and if there were it would be several volumes long. Johnson takes the history of the US and gives it a slightly religious treatment but in some aspects he takes a large step and creates a religious aspect. He labels the Revolution as a religious war. Even though I teach at a Christian college I do not share this view. He also gives the Native Americans little credit for being a strong people who actually saved early settlers time and time again. The early pages of the book are wasted on facts and figures that most students of history could skip without doing harm to their understanding of the subject. This is a book that is OK for a cursory view but if you are wanting a good strong analysis there should be three or four other books by your side.

5 stars BOOK ARE IN GOOD CONDITION 2010-03-30

Reviewer: Pisey Soar

It was my first time purchasing books from amazon but it was a great experience. The book came eariler than what it stated and it was in good condition.

5 stars New to Paul Johnson 2010-02-13

Reviewer: Mephistopholes

I just finished watching C-Span Book TV's two hour session with the fascinating author Paul Johnson. It seems he is what I have been looking for for a long time. I have lately considered reading up on George Washington but was unsure of the author I should choose. Well it seems the heavenly father directed me to watch C-Span this morning and find my way to the right author. It was the best two hours I have spent watching the tv in a very long time, oh apart from the Olympic Opening ceremony.
Paul Johnson is one of those rare people that can lead an army of keen readers. I have not even read one of his books yet, but after listening to his long winded answers to many questions about history and current events I know this is the guy for me. Mastery just oozes from this wonderful man who the heavenly father has gifted with so much knowledge. He has the complete set of the Oxford English dictionary (20 volumes) and uses in constantly, at arms length.
Thank you Mr Johnson for being on C-Span this morning,(though it was taped) and thank you for being a knowledgeable author of history, I am zealously anticipating the arrival of your books to my mailbox.

5 stars A Cornucopia of Awesomeness 2009-11-03

Reviewer: Devon L. Pettengill

As an avid fan of American History, I consider this book to be a cornucopia of awesomeness. One need only read the other reviews here to know that this book is both surprisingly entertaining and amazingly informative. After four years earning my degree in literature, and reading only what the professor assigned me, this was the first book that I chose to consume in my free time, and it was one of the most rewarding reads of my life.

Also, if you are liberal like me, don't be daunted by the fact that Johnson is a conservative. For the most part he manages to be objective, and it never hurts to see how the other side sees things.



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