Publishers Weekly
09/16/2019
Philanthropist and Bloomberg TV host Rubenstein debuts with a collection of 16 interviews he’s conducted as part of the Congressional Dialogues, a series of dinners held at the Library of Congress in which historians and biographers discuss their subjects in front of an audience of lawmakers. The interviews include such heavy hitters as Ron Chernow on Alexander Hamilton, Robert Caro on Lyndon B. Johnson, Doris Kearns Goodwin on Abraham Lincoln, and Taylor Branch on Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. The best discussions are fascinating and surprisingly funny, as when A. Scott Berg relates the moment that he discovered how Charles Lindbergh relieved himself during his transatlantic flight: in a paper cup. Rubinstein elicits unexpected biographical nuggets, including the fact that Martin Luther King Jr.’s name was changed from Michael when he was five years old, after his father visited Protestant reformer Martin Luther’s birthplace. Broader ranging conversations, however, such as Jay Winik on FDR, can feel a bit disjointed and in need of tighter editing. The homogenous roster of interviewees and historical subjects, however, underrepresents women (only Goodwin, Cokie Roberts, and the “Founding Mothers” are featured) and people of color. The result is a well-intentioned and mostly engaging collection that suffers for its lack of inclusivity. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
With his legendary passion for American history, David Rubenstein’s conversations with scholars and authors bring our country’s story to life in a new way. The American Story illuminates the humanity, motivations, and lesser-known stories behind some of our country’s most notable leaders with lessons that are important for all of us today.”—Bill Gates
“David Rubenstein draws out compelling stories and unexpected insights in dialogues with some of the most important historians in America. For the reader who loves American history and biography, or for anyone who would like to start, this book is for you.”—Michael Beschloss, New York Times Bestselling author of Presidents of War
“Rubenstein knows in his gut that we can't know where we're going without knowing where we've been. In The American Story, one of the best interviewers I know interrogates our greatest historians to find out about critical moments in our past that speak directly to our present moment.”—Ken Burns, Director of The Vietnam War
“This book tells the story of our past, but it also can help guide our future. I hope it inspires new generations to learn about our history and defend the democratic values that have always defined what it truly means to be an American.”—The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, Former United States Secretary of State
“David Rubenstein brilliantly captures the essence of many of our country’s most significant historic figures and the insights of their greatest living biographers. The American Story is truly fascinating—wonderfully readable, substantively compelling, and full of unexpected revelations.”—General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former Director of the CIA
“The American Story is yet another of David’s patriotic, philanthropic gifts to our country, its history and its citizens. It’s his enthusiasm that I admire most and that drives these important conversations.”—Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke Men’s Basketball
“David’s boundless curiosity and lifelong interest in American history make him an ideal choice to interview our nation’s foremost historians. The lessons in The American Story are as timeless as they are timely.”—Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
“History matters, and these engaging and enlightening conversations show why. David Rubenstein deserves a medal—as a knowledgeable, incisive and witty interlocutor, but also as the creator of these Congressional Dialogues, which present the insights of the past to those responsible for the future.”—Drew Gilpin Faust, 28th President of Harvard University
"A joy that people will take with them and read it. It is the best Christmas present I know of." —Hugh Hewitt
"David Rubenstein’s interviews are a thrilling trip to the past and ought to be required reading for anyone who cares about America’s future." —Cal Thomas
“The American Story is a creative concept that delivers delicious bite-size bits of American history to those who haven’t had the time or inclination to read widely. I devoured every page with immense pleasure.” —Kitty Kelley, Washington Independent Review of Books
“Revealing, even surprisingly funny.” —The Guardian
“[An] important gift helping to preserve our shared history.” —Charleston Post Courier
“Fascinating . . . Rubenstein elicits unexpected biographical nuggets.”—Publishers Weekly
“An excellent introduction to leading historians and the books every engaged American should read.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Amiable yet informative, the interviews helpfully distill what are often massive tomes into an enjoyable collection of revelatory anecdotes, trivia, and bits of wisdom for modern legislators and citizens alike.”—Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2019-08-18
Interviews with 15 major American historians and the current chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Since 2013, financier and philanthropist Rubenstein, co-founder of the private equity firm the Carlyle Group, has corralled the heavy hitters of American history for conversations held in the Library of Congress, intended for the edification of our elected representatives. His admirable goal has been to provide "information about the great leaders and events of our country's past, with the hope that…bringing the members together in a neutral, nonpartisan setting might modestly contribute toward reducing the seemingly increasing partisan rancor that has become so commonplace in Washington." That aim has flopped, but the text, accompanied by a generous selection of archival images from the LOC, provides a smooth education in American history, with an emphasis on presidents. Eschewing controversy and avoiding penetrating insights, Rubenstein asks leading questions; his responders, all veterans of the lecture hall or book tour, lay out the facts and their expert interpretations. According to Jack D. Warren Jr., George Washington was America's essential man. David McCullough joins the chorus supporting John Adams' rising reputation. Though Thomas Jefferson's continues its decline, Jon Meachem finds much to praise. Women are underrepresented, but Cokie Roberts has good things to say about Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and others. The longest biographies—Robert Caro's five volumes on Lyndon Johnson and Taylor Branch's three on Martin Luther King Jr.—are already classics only partly because of their literary brilliance. LBJ's support of the Civil Rights Act was perhaps the most courageous political act of the century because he did it with full knowledge that it would inflict permanent damage on his party. MLK and his allies were certainly heroes of their time, but the villains he faced make a more vivid impression. Other contributors include H.W. Brands, Bob Woodward, and Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Breaks no new ground but provides an excellent introduction to leading historians and the books every engaged American should read.
