The American Future: A History

So, I read this History ...

and I liked it. History is not my usual fare. I didn't mind taking it in public school, but the only History I studied at University was architectural.

Schama makes it real. He uses the history makers of each period in the evolution (and sometimes de-evolution) of the U. S. to tell not just what happened, but how different sides felt about the course changes our country has taken. He keeps harking back to critical people who represent or align with the major forces behind those changes -- Jefferson and Hamilton firstly; but also the Meigses -- quartermasters, soldiers, and public servants; Lincoln; Robert E. Lee; Samual Clemens; Charles Finney, abolutionist preacher; Jarena Lee, itinerant lay preacher; John Wesley Powell; and the first imperial president, Andrew Jackson (Yes, Nixon gets a mention as well).

This book pulls no punches: it tells the whole and sometimes very ugly truth. Through it all Schama displays an affinity for and belief in the core ideals of American Democracy. The book culminates with the election of our 44th President, and the promise of an American Future.

This is not an 'easy read,' but it is worth the effort. I learned a lot. And while I'm not in love tonight, I just might do it again.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Schama Characterizes "Surge of Socialism" as "Capitalist Energy"....

A work claiming to be based on an empirical review of history should be UNBIASED. Schama's work is clearly not so. He ignorantly characterizes the Obama Administration's Surge of Socialism and unprecedented State Managed Corporations as "Capitalist Energy". This work is a boat without a rudder, and one easy to miss.

1 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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