Book Review – America’s Hidden History

EQUATION: I have a book review for you today…  America’s Hidden History, by Kenneth C. Davis.

From Amazon:

Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Don’t Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation’s destiny and character. Davis’ dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nation’s fate hung in the balance.

Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington’s inauguration in 1789, America’s Hidden History details these episodes, among others:

  • The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists
  • The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans
  • The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast
  • The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war!

Full of color, intrigue, and human interest, America’s Hidden History is an iconoclastic look at America’s past, connecting some of the dots between history and today’s headlines, proving why Davis is truly America’s Teacher.

PLUS:  The information in this book does not take on a snobby overly intellectual look at the subject matter.  It is very readable by a layman – and I am certainly a layman in history.  Of particular fun for me was the introduction to each section…  Quotes from the time of the historical figures involved.  Such as, “Arnold has betrayed us!  Whom can we trust now?” – George Washington (September 1780) speaking about Benedict Arnold.  Also helpful were the timelines before each section.  The content itself is also a plus.  These are not stories that you read about in history class in school, so while much of the surrounding historical context is familiar, it is merely setting for new stories to you.  There is an extensive bibliography, as well as an index in the back of the book, which in my opinion lends credibility.

MINUS:  This book is for history buffs, in my opinion.  The information is dry – and we’re not talking about fictionalized accounts, so some of it is QUITE dry.

EQUALS:   A positive review.  Although it’s not for me, personally, that is completely about genre, and not about quality.  If you’re an American history buff, this is a must-read.

I received this book gratis as a review copy.

The Book Review – America’s Hidden History by Michele Wilcox, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

September 10th, 2008 Book Reviews, Positive Reviews Comments ( 1 )

 

One Response to “Book Review – America’s Hidden History”

  1. Rosalind Panama Says:
    February 4th, 2010 at 7:55 am

    As a Freshman, I am always exploring online for articles that can help me get further ahead. Thanks a million!

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