Summaries of books about U.S. History:
Weird Scenes Inside The Canyon
Laurel Canyon, Covert Ops & The Dark Heart Of The Hippie Dream
David McGowan
The book delves into the underbelly of the 1960s and 70s Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles music scene, suggesting connections between rock stars and the military-industrial complex. It explores conspiracy theories involving covert government operations, questioning the origins and authenticity of the counterculture movement.
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Twelve Mighty Orphans
The Inspiring True Story of the Mighty Mites Who Ruled Texas Football
Jim Dent
The book chronicles the true story of the Mighty Mites, a football team from a Fort Worth orphanage who, during the Great Depression, overcame significant adversity to become one of the most successful high school teams in Texas. It highlights their innovative coach, Rusty Russell, and how his underdog team inspired a nation with their determination and triumphs on the field.
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The Forgotten Man
A New History of the Great Depression
Amity Shlaes
The book presents an alternative perspective on the Great Depression, challenging the conventional wisdom about the era and the effectiveness of the New Deal policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It focuses on the impact of government intervention on individuals and businesses, arguing that such policies prolonged the economic downturn and hindered recovery.
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The Journey of Crazy Horse
A Lakota History
Joseph Marshall
The book presents a vivid account of the life of the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, from his upbringing in the traditions of his people to his leadership in the resistance against U.S. expansion. It delves into his personal character, the cultural context of the Lakota, and the pivotal events of the Indian Wars, culminating in the Battle of Little Bighorn.
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The Barbizon
The Hotel That Set Women Free
Paulina Bren
The book chronicles the history of the Barbizon Hotel in New York City, a residential hotel that became a sanctuary for women seeking independence and careers in the 20th century. It delves into the lives of famous residents, societal changes, and the hotel's evolution from a glamorous safe haven for aspiring female artists to its modern incarnation.
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Denali's Howl
The Deadliest Climbing Disaster on America's Wildest Peak
Andy Hall
The book recounts the tragic 1967 expedition on Mount McKinley (now Denali) in Alaska, where a powerful storm claimed the lives of seven climbers. It delves into the harrowing experiences of the survivors, the rescue efforts, and the impact of the disaster on the climbing community.
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Night of the Grizzlies
Jack Olsen
The book recounts the tragic events of August 1967 in Glacier National Park, where two young women were fatally attacked in separate incidents by grizzly bears on the same night. It delves into the circumstances leading up to the attacks, the impact on the park's policy, and the broader implications for wildlife management.
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The Witches
Salem, 1692
Stacy Schiff
The book delves into the infamous Salem witch trials, exploring the hysteria and paranoia that led to the persecution and execution of twenty people accused of witchcraft. It provides a detailed historical account of the events, the societal and religious context, and the lasting impact on American history and imagination.
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Three Days in Moscow
Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire
Bret Baier|Catherine Whitney
The book chronicles President Ronald Reagan's pivotal three-day visit to Moscow in 1988, detailing his efforts to ease Cold War tensions and his role in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union. It provides a historical account of Reagan's diplomacy, speeches, and interactions with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev during this critical period.
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The Inconvenient Indian
A Curious Account of Native People in North America
Thomas King
The book provides a critical and personal reflection on the history and current state of Native American peoples, blending history, storytelling, and cultural analysis to challenge myths and stereotypes. It examines the ways in which Indigenous peoples have been treated by North American governments and society, and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition.
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