History of the American People - Softcover

Johnson, Paul

4.11

2,848 ratings by Goodreads

9781842124253: History of the American People

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1842124250 ISBN 13: 9781842124253

Publisher: Phoenix Press, 2000

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Readable and provocative and written with Paul Johnson's customary vigorous, direct and colourful style, A History of the American People charts the sweep and drama of America's history through its politics and economics, its art and literature and science, its society and manners and, not least, its complex religious beliefs. From Walter Raleigh to Bill Clinton, Paul Johnson casts an admiring but not uncritical eye over events and personalities through the past 400 years. 'Written with a wonder and affectionate curiosity that sweep the reader along...This is the kind of book that brings new readers to its subject by its freshness, its enthusiasm and the quality of its writing' Godfrey Hodgson, Independent
* 'A masterly rendition of America's unique and rambunctious past that is vivid, thoughtful and absorbing...The book is a gallery of engaging pen portraits, elegantly wrought in a few strokes...Much of the book is a collection of these colourful patches which the author has artfully sewn together into a giant, vibrant, breathtaking American quilt - Johnson at his entertaining best' Raymond Seitz, Sunday Telegraph

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Review:

"A masterly survey--readable, intelligent and, depending on your point of view, either annoyingly or endearingly cranky." --" Newsweek""Challenges the present consensus...Monstrously energetic, greatly imaginative, large-minded and generous-hearted, occasionally grotesquely unfair, but almost always pointing in the right direction." --" American Spectator""Arresting contentions and pieces of fascinating oddball information...The book also offers a rare opportunity to witness someone trying to make sense of all 400 years of American history and to discover what 'tremendous lessons' it holds for Americans and 'the rest of mankind.'" --" New York Times Book Review""Paul Johnson's" The History of the American People" is as majestic in its scope as the country it celebrates. His theme is the men and women, prominent and unknown, whose energy, vision, courage and confidence shaped a great nation. It is a compelling antidote to those who regard the future with pessimism." -- Henry A. Kissinger"This is vivid and memorable writing...Proves that history can still be literature."--" National Review""A fresh, readable and provocative survey. He is full of opinions...And Johnson can be very wise." --" Los Angeles Times""His zesty, irreverent narratives teach more history to more people than all the post-modernist theorists, highbrow critics and dons put together."-- "Times Literary Supplement"

Book Description:

A magnificent book which reinterprets every aspect of American history

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