Summaries of books about U.S. History:
Blood and Treasure
Daniel Boone and the Fight for America's First Frontier
Bob Drury|Tom Clavin
The book chronicles the life of the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone and his role in the westward expansion of the United States, focusing on his adventures, the settlement of Kentucky, and his encounters with Native American tribes during the tumultuous period of American colonization and the fight for control over the frontier. It weaves together personal stories, historical battles, and the broader context of the struggle between settlers and indigenous peoples over the rich lands of the early American frontier.
See full summary
American Wolf
A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West
Nate Blakeslee
The book chronicles the life of O-Six, a famous Yellowstone National Park alpha female wolf, detailing her rise to prominence in the park's Lamar Valley and the human impact on her life. It explores the broader political and social battles over the conservation and management of wolves in the American West, as seen through the lens of O-Six's experiences and the people who were captivated by her.
See full summary
The General vs. the President
MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War
H. W. Brands
The book delves into the intense conflict between President Harry S. Truman and General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War, highlighting their clashing visions for America's path in the early Cold War era. It explores the political and military decisions that led to MacArthur's dismissal and examines the potential consequences of their disagreement on the use of nuclear weapons.
See full summary
The Revolutionary
Samuel Adams
Stacy Schiff
The book chronicles the life of Samuel Adams, a key figure in the American Revolution, detailing his role as a mastermind of resistance against British rule and his efforts in shaping the nation's founding principles. It delves into Adams's political strategies, personal relationships, and enduring legacy as a passionate advocate for American independence.
See full summary
Washington's Immortals
The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution
Patrick K. O'Donnell
The book narrates the heroic saga of the Maryland regiment in the American Revolutionary War, a group of soldiers who played a pivotal role in several key battles. It delves into their sacrifices and significant contributions to the war effort, highlighting their enduring legacy in the fight for American independence.
See full summary
Confederates in the Attic
Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War
Tony Horwitz
The book delves into the enduring legacy of the American Civil War, exploring how it continues to resonate in the South through reenactments, historical interpretations, and cultural identity. Journalist Tony Horwitz travels across Southern states, engaging with a colorful cast of characters to understand the conflict's persistent grip on the American imagination.
See full summary
The Blue Tattoo
The Life of Olive Oatman
Margot Mifflin
The book chronicles the true story of Olive Oatman, a 19th-century woman who was captured by Native Americans as a teenager after her family was killed on a wagon train in Arizona. It details her life among the Mohave tribe, her return to white society, and the cultural and personal impact of her experiences, including her distinctive blue chin tattoo.
See full summary
The American Story
Conversations with Master Historians
David M. Rubenstein
The book presents a series of engaging interviews with renowned historians, discussing the lives and legacies of prominent figures in American history. Each conversation delves into the expertise of the historian, offering insights and anecdotes about presidents and key leaders who shaped the United States.
See full summary
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
Sarah Vowell
The book is a humorous and insightful exploration of the Marquis de Lafayette's role in the American Revolution, highlighting his contributions to the United States' fight for independence and his enduring friendship with key figures like George Washington, while also reflecting on the nation's contemporary disunity and historical quirks. It blends travelogue, biography, and social commentary, offering a unique perspective on American history and its French connection.
See full summary
The Coldest Winter
America and the Korean War
David Halberstam
The book provides a comprehensive historical account of the Korean War, focusing on the political and military struggles faced by the United States during the conflict. It delves into the experiences of soldiers on the ground, the decisions of commanders, and the impact of the war on global Cold War dynamics.
See full summary