Question for history buffs

vulturesrow · #1 10-12-2005, 09:53 PM

What is a good survey type book on American history? Preferably something as politically neutral and non-normative as possible please [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Lots of citations and a healthy bibliography would be nice too.

Thanks.

VR

PS Dont say Peoples History of the United States or Patriots History of the United States.

#2 10-13-2005, 12:32 AM

America The Book.

stealyourface · #3 10-13-2005, 02:36 AM

Why no People's History of the United States?

It is the most complete American social history book ever written.

Then again if you don't want social history or anything having to do with actual historical agency, go pick up any US History textbook at your local library.

New001 · #4 10-13-2005, 03:11 AM

Off topic, but would you recommend reading the People's History? It was required reading back in high school and I never actually read it. I have a modest interest in history, and I could use something to read.

Beer and Pizza · #5 10-13-2005, 04:21 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Why no People's History of the United States?

It is the most complete American social history book ever written.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its the most complete American social history book ever written, in the same way that Stalin is the most complete manifestation of the ultimate perfection of the Communist state.

Cyrus · #6 10-13-2005, 07:02 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[The People's History of the United States] is the most complete American social history book ever written, in the same way that Stalin is the most complete manifestation of the ultimate perfection of the Communist state.

[/ QUOTE ]

I assume that (a) you have read it, and (b) you have identified a significant amount of lies and falsehoods in it. In such a case, please share with us your findings.

The author of the book cites facts, figures and historical events. His opinion can be discarded, when it appears in the book, but it would be interesting to see your refutation of the record, as he presents it.

vulturesrow · #7 10-13-2005, 07:56 AM

<blockquote>En respuesta a:<hr />
Why no People's History of the United States?

[/ QUOTE ]

1) I've already read it.
2) I dont particularly care for its spin.

vulturesrow · #8 10-13-2005, 08:01 AM

<blockquote>En respuesta a:<hr />
Off topic, but would you recommend reading the People's History? It was required reading back in high school and I never actually read it. I have a modest interest in history, and I could use something to read.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would recommend it. You might notice in my response to stealyourface that I said I didnt care for its spin. That said, I do enjoy reading things that challenges my view of the way things are. At a minimum, reading that book gave me a new perspective and certainly prompted me to delve into other historical events and make my own decisions.

vulturesrow · #9 10-13-2005, 08:05 AM

Cyrus,

You cannot post in my thread without providing a recommendation. [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

ericd · #10 10-13-2005, 08:49 AM

I enjoy books by Robert Leckie. "None Died in Vain", the Civil War, and "Delivered from Evil", WWII, are two examples. They are pretty much survey books about those wars and the events surrounding them. I reread them every few years as a refresher. They also kindle my interest to delve into a some facet in much greater depth.