Summaries of books about U.S. History:
South to America
A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation
Imani Perry
The book is a travelogue and cultural analysis that explores the history, politics, and identity of the American South. It delves into the region's complexities, from its role in shaping national narratives to its deep-rooted traditions and the ongoing struggles with race and class.
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When the Astors Owned New York
Blue Bloods and Grand Hotels in a Gilded Age
Justin Kaplan
The book delves into the opulent world of the Astor family during America's Gilded Age, focusing on their real estate empire and the creation of iconic hotels like the Waldorf Astoria. It explores the social dynamics, wealth, and influence that defined the Astors' prominence in New York society and their impact on the city's development.
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Those Angry Days
Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America's Fight Over World War II, 1939-1941
Lynne Olson
The book delves into the intense national debate in the United States between interventionists, who supported joining World War II to help the Allies, and isolationists, who wanted to keep America out of the European conflict. It focuses on the clash between President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who pushed for intervention, and Charles Lindbergh, the aviator hero who became the spokesperson for the isolationist movement.
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Palm Beach Babylon
The Sinful History of America's Super-Rich Paradise
Murray Weiss|Bill Hoffmann
The book delves into the scandalous and extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy elite residing in Palm Beach, Florida, revealing a history of opulence, power struggles, and dark secrets. It uncovers tales of high-profile residents, including socialites, celebrities, and business moguls, and their involvement in crimes, affairs, and the pursuit of luxury.
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Twelve Years in the Saddle for Law and Order on the Frontiers of Texas
W. John L. Sullivan
The book is a memoir detailing the experiences of a Texas Ranger during the late 19th century, recounting his adventures and challenges in maintaining law and order across the rugged Texas frontier. It provides a first-hand account of the dangers, pursuits, and encounters with outlaws that characterized the era of the Old West.
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Young Men and Fire
Twenty-fifth Anniversary Edition
Norman MacLean
The book recounts the tragic story of the 1949 Mann Gulch fire in Montana, where thirteen smokejumpers lost their lives battling a wildfire. It delves into the events of the fire, the young men who fought it, and the impact of the disaster on firefighting techniques and our understanding of such events.
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Flight 232
A Story of Disaster and Survival
Laurence Gonzales
The book recounts the harrowing tale of United Airlines Flight 232, which suffered a catastrophic engine failure in 1989, leading to a crash landing in Sioux City, Iowa. It details the experiences of the passengers, crew, and rescuers, focusing on the disaster's human impact and the remarkable stories of survival that emerged.
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Blood in the Water
The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy
Heather Ann Thompson
The book provides a detailed account of the five-day Attica Prison uprising in 1971, where inmates took control of the facility to protest inhumane conditions, leading to a violent retaking by law enforcement. It also examines the aftermath of the event, including the legal battles, cover-ups, and the impact on prison reform and civil rights.
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The Storm of the Century
Tragedy, Heroism, Survival, and the Epic True Story of America's Deadliest Natural Disaster: The Great Gulf Hurricane of 1900
Al Roker
The book chronicles the devastating impact of the 1900 hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas, detailing personal stories of loss, resilience, and heroism among the townspeople. It also examines the meteorological conditions that led to the disaster and the failures in communication that exacerbated the tragedy.
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The Cruelest Miles
The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic
Gay Salisbury|Laney Salisbury
The book recounts the true story of a daring sled dog relay that took place in 1925 to deliver life-saving diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, amidst a deadly epidemic. It highlights the harrowing conditions and the incredible endurance of both the dogs, including the famous Balto, and their mushers as they traversed nearly 700 miles of icy terrain to save the town's inhabitants.
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