Summaries of books about U.S. History:
Rock Me on the Water
1974-The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics
Ronald Brownstein
The book chronicles the cultural and political evolution of Los Angeles in 1974, detailing how the city became a hub for groundbreaking developments in film, music, television, and politics. It explores the convergence of talent and creativity that led to iconic works and movements, shaping the American cultural landscape.
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Polio
An American Story
David M. Oshinsky
The book chronicles the polio epidemic in the United States, detailing the widespread fear, the race to develop a vaccine, and the eventual triumph over the disease through the efforts of scientists like Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. It also explores the impact of the disease on American culture and the role of the March of Dimes in funding the fight against polio.
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The Last Founding Father
James Monroe and a Nation's Call to Greatness
Harlow Giles Unger
The book chronicles the life and political career of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, highlighting his role in shaping the country's early foreign policy and his contributions to American expansionism. It delves into Monroe's personal story, his relationships with other Founding Fathers, and his influence on events such as the Louisiana Purchase and the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine.
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Assassination Vacation
Sarah Vowell
The book is a travelogue that explores the history and cultural impact of American presidential assassinations, focusing on the killings of Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and William McKinley. The author visits historical sites associated with the assassinations and reflects on their legacies and the figures involved, blending humor with her insights into American politics and history.
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Washington's Crossing
David Hackett Fischer
The book provides a detailed account of George Washington's strategic crossing of the Delaware River in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War, which led to crucial victories at Trenton and Princeton. It examines the broader implications of this event on the American struggle for independence, highlighting the leadership, military tactics, and the resilience of the Continental Army.
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Dark Tide
The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919
Stephen Puleo
The book chronicles the events leading up to, during, and after a massive molasses storage tank burst in Boston, unleashing a deadly wave that devastated the North End neighborhood and killed 21 people. It delves into the disaster's causes, the ensuing legal battles, and its impact on American industrial safety regulations.
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Ghostland
An American History in Haunted Places
Colin Dickey
The book explores the history and cultural significance of haunted places across the United States, examining how ghost stories reflect societal anxieties and the past's lingering presence. It delves into various locations, from haunted houses and hotels to asylums and cities, to uncover the truths and myths behind America's obsession with the supernatural.
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Coming Back Alive
The True Story of the Most Harrowing Search and Rescue Mission Ever Attempted on Alaska's High Seas
Spike Walker
The book recounts the gripping tale of an extraordinary Coast Guard rescue operation in the treacherous waters off the coast of Alaska, where the lives of a stranded fishing crew hang in the balance. It details the heroism and determination of the rescuers as they battle fierce storms and nearly impossible odds to save their fellow seamen from certain death.
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Travels with George
In Search of Washington and His Legacy
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book chronicles the author's journey as he retraces the steps of George Washington's trips to the original thirteen states post-Revolution. It explores the impact of these travels on American identity and Washington's legacy, blending historical analysis with personal reflections.
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Accidental Presidents
Eight Men Who Changed America
Jared Cohen
The book delves into the lives and impacts of eight individuals who ascended to the American presidency due to the death or resignation of their predecessors. It explores how these unexpected leaders handled the transition of power and the significant decisions they made that shaped the nation's trajectory.
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