Looking to buy good history books. Especially American history. Any suggestions? (Vanity, I suppose)

11-27-02 | None

[Green Knight]

Alright, I've been meaning to buy a history book with detailed American history, but I'm leary of spending money on a Politically Correct piece of crud. So can you folks help me out, here?

I'd like A) A book which focuses specifically not only on the USA, but on the history that led up the founding of the United States, and B) A detailed look at world history (Being only one book, I can't imagine it'd be all that detailed). I'd also like C) A book detailing World War II.

Appreciate any and all help folks. Thanks.

[RAT Patrol]

Is yours copyright 1901 or 1902?

[tom paine 2]

Any college textbooks on American history written by Henry Steele Commager

[RAT Patrol]

Whoa Nellie! That's impressive.

[snarkpup]

The Federalist Papers. This explains why our form of government was chosen over other types in common use, why the Constitution was worded the way it was, why they put in every check and balance they could think of, and the tradeoffs that were considered in designing a federal government strong enough to provide for the common defense but not strong enough to wage war on the people. For most people nowadays, this will be earth-shattering reading.

[CholeraJoe]

Anything by Steven Ambrose (R.I.P.)

[Wonder Warthog]

Bump for future reference.

[Wonder Warthog]

"The Federalist Papers. This explains why our form of government was chosen over other types in common use, why the Constitution was worded the way it was, why they put in every check and balance they could think of, and the tradeoffs that were considered in designing a federal government strong enough to provide for the common defense but not strong enough to wage war on the people. For most people nowadays, this will be earth-shattering reading."

NEVER recommend the Federalist Papers without also recommending the Anti-Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers by themselves only present the "positive" side of strong central government. The Anti-Federalist Papers point out the potential areas for abuse. Unfortunately, time has proven the Anti-Federalist authors to have been more nearly correct than the Federalist authors about the resulting abuses of governmental power. In fact, the predictions of the Anti-Federalists are FRIGHTENINGLY prescient in light of the direction the FedGov has taken since the 1960's.

[Petronski]

I want to add my endorsement of Churchill's six-volume history of WWII, with two caveats, neither debilitating. The entire history is, of course, Anglocentric (Churchillcentric, actually), and taken together, the entire set is 3600 pages long.

However, his writing is florid and poetic, without being indigestible, and is often even sprightly.

[cloud8]

Is yours copyright 1901 or 1902?

Harpers, 1902. Another cool thing is that my grampa (1867-1954) left bookmarks in it here and there marked with occasional bits of his handwriting. For example in vol. 1 at the exile of Anne Hutchinson there's a slip with a column of figures.

[Petronski]

Other sources of historical books include these two of my favorites:</>

Hamilton is a clearance warehouse of books that are about to be pulped. They publish a tabloid catalog on newsprint that lists all the books at firesale/distressed prices. They have more than just history books, but it is a great place to find history books you didn't know you wanted. Addictive. Get on their mailing list.

Scholar's Bookshelf is another great source of the HIGHLY obscure. No discount prices here, but the titles available truly are aimed at the scholar trying to complete his library. Also many great and obscure documentaries, foreign and domestic. Another great mailing list you want to be on.

[steeletraps]

I agree on the Ambrose picks. Band of Brothers is a great book and series. His D-Day book was my favorite. He does a tremendous job of getting the view of the common soldier into his works.

Away from American history though, I just read Enemy At The Gates: The Battle For Stalingrad by William? Craig, and it was fascinating. It's a battle that is almost unimaginable. The people the movie of the same name is based on are in there, but they only take up a few pages. It's an overall view of the battle, not just the sniper perspective. Great read.

[Vidalia]

Who are you kidding?

Nobody, but let's put the first step forward.

When anyone who does not know about the crapola leftist revisionism of the the history of the world acquires their first taste of lying and hate based literature, they should be brought into the world of reality in a slow and sure manner, much like an idiot wedded virgin or the turtle...

[Exton1]

Angel in the Whirlwind by Benson Bobrick

[MosesKnows]

Looking to buy good history books. Especially American history. Any suggestions?

The best suggestion I can give is to buy only used history books, the older the better and do not buy history books with a theme.

[rwfromkansas]

Hey, I see I am not the only one that loves that site. It is something else!

[Chemist_Geek]

Bump.

[Desparado]

We home schooled both our kids. One is an Honors student now at Univ of Tenn., the other is still in high school. Without a doubt the best source of American History is a taped series which you can listen to at home or while traveling on family trips. We got it at a Home School Show with high reccommendations from many people. It is called "America: The first 350 years" by J. Steven Wilkins. The company is Covenant Publications, 224 Auburn Ave., Monroe, La. 71201. This is the most amazing series of lectures beginning with the Calvinists in England through the Netherlands to their migration to America, and the early development of our country up through the early colonies, The constitutional conventions and the Civil war. I highly reccommend this series you will be amazed at the information you and your family will learn by listening to these lectures and they are very easy to follow He is an interesting speaker. Everyone in our family has enjoyed them. There is also a study workbook with outlines and questions for discussion included. Enjoy!!

[RAT Patrol]

Same as mine, minus the notes. Yours sounds extra special!

[SW6906]

Check out Kirby Wilbur's Book List. He is an excellent conservative talk show host in Seattle (yes, we have them here). He's a history buff and teaches history to homeschooled children. Excellent choices on his list.