TeacherZee Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I thought I would put this on the GB rather than the High school and Self-education because I think more people look here. My knowledge of American history is patchy at best (1. I grew up in Europe and 2. History wasn't seen as all that important in school :eek::ack2: so I know a lot about the last 100 years or so but patchy before that) and I would like to remedy this. I would like to start reading biographies about the different presidents and use that as my spine I suppose, and then branch out from there. Does anyone have any suggestions for good biographies of the different presidents for an adult? I have a very good book for Swedish history so I thought I would do US next and then come back to Europe. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lorna Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I know it isn't a book but there is a BBC radio programme on at the moment called 'Empire of Liberty' which charts the development of the United States, exploring three key themes: Empire, Liberty and Faith. It is aimed at a British audience and so may be a great place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev in B'ville Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I thought I would put this on the GB rather than the High school and Self-education because I think more people look here. My knowledge of American history is patchy at best (1. I grew up in Europe and 2. History wasn't seen as all that important in school :eek::ack2: so I know a lot about the last 100 years or so but patchy before that) and I would like to remedy this. I would like to start reading biographies about the different presidents and use that as my spine I suppose, and then branch out from there. Does anyone have any suggestions for good biographies of the different presidents for an adult? I have a very good book for Swedish history so I thought I would do US next and then come back to Europe. Thank you! I like David McCullough. I don't know how many books he has about Presidents, but I have read the John Adams book and loved it. Also, Edmund Morris has written about Rosevelt. One other book about American history that I'm enjoying now is Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen. It's not so much about lies as about omissions in history. For example, Helen Keller, who is undoubtedly an inspirational figure in history, was a radical socialist - joining the Socialist Party of Massachusetts in 1909. After the Russian Revolution she sang the praises of Russia saying, "In the Esat a new star is risen!....." She even had a red flag hanging above her desk in her study. He also looks critically at Woodrow Wilson, who was a segregationist and held many racist views, but politically could see that those views were contrary to the popular view and changed his political (but not personal) views to match. (Imagine that, a politician changing his views based on popular opinion!) I have found the book...intriguing. Just a couple of suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SFP Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 Not to be missed: Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted October 20, 2008 Author Share Posted October 20, 2008 I know it isn't a book but there is a BBC radio programme on at the moment called 'Empire of Liberty' which charts the development of the United States, exploring three key themes: Empire, Liberty and Faith. It is aimed at a British audience and so may be a great place to start. I am listening and it is great! I like the fact that each episode is short. Makes it easier to fit into the day:001_smile: Thank you all for the suggestions, it is great to get stuff on other historical figures as well. Keep them coming please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 I like David McCullough. So do I. McCullough's book on Teddy Roosevelt (Mornings on Horseback) is a delight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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