Summaries of books about U.S. History:
The Man Who Killed Kennedy
The Case Against LBJ
Roger J. Stone
The book presents a conspiracy theory suggesting that Lyndon B. Johnson was the mastermind behind President John F. Kennedy's assassination. It compiles allegations, motives, and purported evidence to argue that LBJ had the means, motive, and opportunity to orchestrate the killing.
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These Truths
A History of the United States
Jill Lepore
The book offers a sweeping exploration of American history from 1492 to the present, weaving political, social, and cultural threads to examine the ideals and contradictions of the nation. It critically assesses the concepts of truth and justice, and how they have been shaped and reshaped throughout the United States' evolution.
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Lies My Teacher Told Me
Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong
James W. Loewen
The book critically examines and challenges the inaccuracies, omissions, and biases found in American high school history textbooks, revealing how they often present a distorted or sanitized version of history. It aims to correct these misconceptions by providing a more honest and inclusive account of the past, covering topics from Columbus's voyages to recent American history.
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The Heart of Everything That Is
The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend
Bob Drury|Tom Clavin
The book chronicles the life of Red Cloud, the only Native American leader to win a war against the United States, detailing his rise to power and the events of the 1866-1868 conflict known as Red Cloud's War. It provides a historical account of the Oglala Lakota chief's strategic prowess and the impact of his leadership on the American West during the tumultuous times of westward expansion.
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The Oregon Trail
A New American Journey
Rinker Buck
The book chronicles the author's modern-day adventure as he retraces the historic Oregon Trail in a covered wagon with a team of mules. It blends personal narrative with historical research, exploring the trials and landscapes of the original 19th-century pioneers while reflecting on the American spirit and the author's own family dynamics.
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The Souls of Black Folk
W.E.B. Du Bois|David W. Blight|Robert Gooding-Williams
The book is a seminal work in African American literature and sociology, presenting a collection of essays that explore the complex duality of African American identity and the struggle for emancipation and civil rights. It introduces the concept of "double consciousness" and critiques the social structures of racism, while also discussing the history of black folk and their contributions to American culture.
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The Bully Pulpit
Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism
Doris Kearns Goodwin
The book delves into the intense friendship between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, which eventually disintegrates into a bitter rivalry during their presidential pursuits. It also highlights the role of muckraking journalists in shaping the era's progressive reforms and public opinion, showcasing the interplay between politics and the media in early 20th-century America.
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100 Amazing Facts About the Negro with Complete Proof
J. A. Rogers
The book presents a collection of significant historical and cultural contributions made by people of African descent, aiming to correct misconceptions and provide evidence-based recognition of their achievements. It covers a wide range of topics, from ancient history to contemporary figures, highlighting the global impact of the African diaspora.
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Thomas Jefferson
The Art of Power
Jon Meacham
The book delves into the life and political career of the third U.S. President, exploring how he wielded his charisma and intelligence to shape the nation. It examines Jefferson's philosophy of leadership and governance, highlighting his balance of idealism and pragmatism in the face of the era's challenges.
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Five Days at Memorial
Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital
Sheri Fink
The book chronicles the harrowing experiences of patients, staff, and doctors at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by caregivers as they made life-and-death decisions amidst the disaster's chaos and the subsequent investigation into their actions.
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