American Heritage: Great Minds of History

Perhaps you saw the television programs or have viewed the videos of one or more of them. Perhaps you have listened to the audiocassettes. In any event, this book consists of a series of thought-provoking questions posed by Roger Mudd which are answered by five of our nation's most eminent historians: Stephen Ambrose, David McCullough, James McPherson, Richard White, and Gordon Wood. Their respective subjects are:The Colonial Era and Revolution (Wood)The Civil War and Reconstruction (McPherson)Westward Expansion (White)The Industrial Era (McCullough)World War II and Postwar America (Ambrose)Obviously, a reader's specific interests will determine which of the Q & A exchanges are of greatest value. Richard Snow provides an excellent Introduction. His associates at American Heritage are also to be commended for completing background research and then writing profiles of the five historians. Mudd is a skillful interviewer. In book form, inevitably, his style and pace can only be suggested but are in great form when the exchanges are heard or (better yet) seen. Snow is quite correct when observing that the five-part narrative "is always kinetic, darting, and oblique; and the narrators have at once too high and too close a regard for their subject to sentimentalize it. Nevertheless, the cumulative message is clear and heartening." For Ambrose, here is the clear and heartening message: "this is the best country that ever was. This is the freest and, right now, the most prosperous that has ever been conceived anywhere. And, by God,, somebody had to be doing something right to bring us to this point. I want to celebrate the people who brought us to this point." He does so with passion and eloquence. The perspectives and insights provided by the other historians (whose contributions precede Mudd's exchange with Ambrose) also expand and clarify the context within which our nation's history has evolved from one dynamic era to the next.

This book is a fabulous resource for those of us who have tried to explain why the study of history is so important. The "interviewees" show that the best way to present history is by "story telling" about the lives of real people rather than making a dry recitation of facts. All of them are extreemly enthusiastic about their subjects.

Great Minds of American History is an insightful read from some of our country's most noteworthy historians. Anedotal stories and personal reflections make this book a must for all readers who are interested in the story behind the history. A significant, engaging and page-turning piece of non-fiction.

The five historians give you a wonderful overview of American history from the Revolution to Nixon...and they are all the best and the brightest. Great book...easy read...fun.