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Title: Don't Know Much About History : Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN: 0-06-008381-6 Publisher: HarperCollins Pub. Date: 01 April, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $26.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.55 (99 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: A refreshing refresher on U.S. history
Comment: This is an enjoyable book for adults who wish they remembered more from high school history class. Although it's a serious and factual book that cuts well above the "bathroom reader" category, it's not intended as an advanced text for historians. For example, the issues leading up to the civil war are covered in a single chapter. Obviously there's some simplification there. Expert historians would want several full books on the subject.
And while the book is serious and factual, it's not dull and lifeless like the high school history texts many of us remember. The author writes with an active style and includes occasional bits of humor. He's also willing to pass judgment after outlining the facts -- and that's what really makes this book insightful. For example, in describing George Washington he goes beyond the mythic, beatific hero accounts given in typical textbooks and talks about the man's earthy, human side as well as some of the his shortcomings.
I recommend this book to any adult who has forgotten high school history. I think it is especially valuable for parents whose children are learning about history in school -- you can refresh your knowledge and help your children learn. This book would even be good for older students (at least 8th grade) themselves to read, particularly if their teachers and textbooks just aren't making the material interesting enough.
Rating: 4
Summary: A GREAT INDOC & REFRESHER
Comment: First off, let me address the sentiment reflected in the other reviews regarding a preceived "bias" in the presentation of the facts. Ask yourself just where are you supposed to obtain written history completely void of interpretation? If you find one, please drop me an email. History is more than just flat facts and anyone who studies history knows that you must & should read numerous sources to draw a conclusion that is satisfactory to you.
For the individual interested in gaining a thumbnail look and American History, Davis nails it. He hits upon all the major events - the events a K-12 student would expect to cover. Davis' writing style is lively and even humorous at times.
If you're already well versed in American History then you might find this book a bit on the freshmen side of the tracks - however, I find myself referring to it on occasion to refresh my self on topics that I've forgotten (Boss Tweed who?).
Bottom line. This book is a great place to start and good quick reference book. If you looking for history in the nooks and crannies, I'd suggest anything by the brilliant H.W.Brands.
Rating: 5
Summary: You'll Know Something About History
Comment: Author Kenneth Davis has provided the reader with over 600 pages covering a concise history of the American republic. Yes, I do agree with other reviewers that Davis is biased in some instances, but it may also be that he is just calling the shots as he sees them. President Eisenhower is criticized for his look-the other-way attitude towards civil rights, and quotes Ike as saying that appointing Earl Warren as chief justice of the United States was "the biggest damnfool mistake I every made." This came after Warren was instrumental in advancing civil rights of blacks. Should we not know Eisenhower's attitude in this regard? A courageous stance by this popular president may have done a lot of good, but Ike chose the easy way out. A couple of other quotes I enjoyed in the book may speak of bias, but I found them to be worth remembering. The earthy Lyndon Johnson saying of Gerald Ford: "Shucks, I don't think he can chew gum and walk at the same time....He's a nice fellow, but he spent too much time playing football without a helmet." The line I like the best will hit a nerve with a lot of people, I'm sure, but it was attributed to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin while you might want to assign it to former Chicago mayoral windbag, Big Bill Thompson, New York City political fixer William "Boss" Tweed, or someone else who may come to mind. It reads as follows: "Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything." To sum up the book I would say the United States of America has to be a great country to survive a great number of the presidents that have been at the helm throughout its history. Scandals of one kind or another have plagued several administrations while others have been highlighted by mediocrity. I found the book to be both informative and entertaining. It took me a week to pioneer my way through it, but it was worth the time.
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Title: Don't Know Much About Geography : Everything You Need to Know About the World but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN: 0380713799 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 07 September, 1999 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Don't Know Much About the Bible: Everything You Need to Know About the Good Book but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN: 0380728397 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 04 September, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Don't Know Much About American History by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN: 0064408361 Publisher: HarperTrophy Pub. Date: 01 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Don't Know Much About the Civil War : Everything You Need to Know About America's Greatest Conflict but Never Learned (Don't Know Much About...(Paperback)) by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN: 0380719088 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 07 September, 1999 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Don't Know Much About the Presidents by Kenneth C. Davis ISBN: 0060286156 Publisher: HarperCollins Pub. Date: 01 January, 2002 List Price(USD): $15.99 |
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