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Books about American History

Holgren

Member
I am a foreigner and I'm interested in reading more on american history, but do not know where to start. I would love a recopilatory book that covers all or most of the main events, but I welcome books that focus on specific events that you think everyone should know. Even though I never finished it, I recommend Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, SR.
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It is quite long and even though Rockefeller's life was quite conservative (not really action packed), it was still a very interesting read since it described the period of time amazingly. Which one's would you recommend?

Does Mumei still post here?
 

Guileless

Temp Banned for Remedial Purposes
If you're interested in politics, you should read Means of Ascent by Robert Caro. It's the second volume of his Lyndon Johnson biography and details how he won his Senate seat in 1948.
 

IDKFA

I am Become Bilbo Baggins
Here is one that I read last year. It's a book that covers the Indian wars of the west between 1866 - 1891. It's a very informative, yet also at times a very distressing read. Highly recommended.

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Quasicat

Member
I love reading the presidential autobiographies the most, regardless of my political standings. Reagan’s had some major fact issues, but I really liked Jefferson’s, W. Bush’s, and Obama’s writings. Grant’s was really good which focused on him being a general in the American Civil War and his relationship with Lincoln.
 

appaws

Banned
I love reading the presidential autobiographies the most, regardless of my political standings. Reagan’s had some major fact issues, but I really liked Jefferson’s, W. Bush’s, and Obama’s writings. Grant’s was really good which focused on him being a general in the American Civil War and his relationship with Lincoln.

Ron Chernow is the top biographer. All his works are top-notch. The only critique is that he falls in love with his subjects.

Battle Cry of Freedom is the best single volume history of the Civil War. Shelby Foote’s trilogy is the best overall, but is a big undertaking.

Two underrated Gems of 20th Century history are A Consumers Republic by Lizabeth Cohen, and Grace Palladio’s “Teenagers.”
 
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