Summaries of books about U.S. History:
Laurel Canyon
The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll's Legendary Neighborhood
Michael Walker
The book delves into the history of Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, during the 1960s and 1970s, when it was a hub for rock music culture and artists. It provides an intimate look at the lives, music, and influence of famous residents such as Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison, and Frank Zappa, who shaped the era's countercultural movement.
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Jefferson's Daughters
Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America
Catherine Kerrison
The book explores the lives of Thomas Jefferson's three daughters, two white and one black, delving into their experiences in early America. It contrasts the privileged upbringing of his legitimate daughters, Martha and Maria, with the restricted life of Harriet Hemings, his daughter born into slavery.
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The Plaza
The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel
Julie Satow
The book delves into the rich history and behind-the-scenes stories of New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel, exploring its role as a symbol of luxury and its impact on American culture. It provides an in-depth look at the hotel's famous guests, ownership battles, and the transformation it has undergone throughout the decades.
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Charlie Wilson's War
George Crile
The book chronicles the true story of a maverick U.S. congressman, Charlie Wilson, who conspired with a rogue CIA operative to launch a covert operation in Afghanistan to support the Mujahideen against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It details the unlikely alliance, the secret funding, and the impact of their actions on the eventual fall of the Soviet empire and the rise of radical Islam.
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All That She Carried
The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake
Tiya Miles
The book traces the history of a cotton sack passed down through three generations of Black women, starting with an enslaved woman named Rose who gave it to her daughter Ashley when they were separated by sale. It explores the emotional and cultural significance of this family heirloom, delving into the broader narrative of slavery, separation, and resilience in African American history.
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On Hallowed Ground
The Story of Arlington National Cemetery
Robert M. Poole
The book chronicles the history of Arlington National Cemetery, detailing its evolution from a plantation to America's most sacred military burial ground. It explores the stories of the soldiers and notable figures interred there, as well as the traditions and ceremonies that honor the fallen throughout the nation's history.
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1812
The War of 1812
Walter R. Borneman
The book provides a comprehensive account of the military and political events of the War of 1812, detailing the conflicts between the United States, Britain, and Native American tribes. It examines the causes, key battles, and consequences of the war, including its impact on American national identity and territorial expansion.
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1944
FDR and the Year That Changed History
Jay Winik
The book delves into the pivotal events of 1944, including the D-Day invasion, the Holocaust, and the political maneuvers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. It examines how these critical moments and decisions shaped the outcome of the war and the future of the world.
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Sea of Glory
America's Voyage of Discovery, The U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book chronicles the historic journey of the United States Exploring Expedition, a groundbreaking naval and scientific venture that mapped vast areas of the Pacific and Antarctica from 1838 to 1842. It details the challenges faced by the crew, the leadership of Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, and the significant contributions the expedition made to various scientific fields.
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The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee
Native America from 1890 to the Present
David Treuer
The book challenges the narrative of Native American history that suggests their culture died at the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre, instead presenting a vibrant story of resilience and adaptation from then to the present day. It weaves personal stories with historical events to show how Native Americans have fought to preserve their identities, lands, and rights, shaping a modern, multifaceted existence.
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