Play Audiobook Sample
America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I): From the Age of Discovery to a World at War Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.01) - 613 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
To rescue the future, we must remember our past.
With command and wit, William J. Bennett reacquaints Americans with their heritage in an engaging narrative that cuts through the cobwebs of time, memory, and prevailing cynicism. Washington, Franklin, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and others reemerge not as marble icons or dust-dry names in a textbook, but as full-blooded, heroic pioneers whose far-reaching vision forged a nation that attracted?that still attracts?millions yearning to breathe free. In this, the first volume of a "reasoned, balanced presentation of the American story," Bennett tells our nation's story, with all its triumphs and tragedies. He summons us to embrace America's cause once again as "the last best hope of earth."
What others are saying:
"William J. Bennett artfully and subtly makes connections between our past and current events, reminding us ... that we are intimately and immediately connected to the extraordinary Americans who have bestowed upon us our great heritage.... [T]he importance of America: The Last Best Hope probably exceeds anything Dr. Bennett has ever written, and it is more elegantly crafted and eminently readable than any comprehensive work of history I've read in a very long time. It's silly to compare great works of history to great novels, but this book truly is a page-turner.... Prepare to have your faith in, hope for, and love of America renewed." -Brad Miner, American Compass
"The Role of history is to inform, inspire, and sometimes provoke us, which is why Bill Bennett's wonderfully readable book is so important. He puts our nation's triumphs, along with its lapses, into the context of a narrative about the progress of freedom. Every now and then it's useful to be reminded that we are a fortunate people, blessed with generations of leaders who repeatedly renewed the meaning of America." -Walter Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
"For too long Americans have been looking for a history of our country that tells the story of America's triumphs as well as its tragedies. Now Bill Bennett has come forward with America: The Last Best Hope, which tells the story-fairly and fully-from 1492 to 1914. Americans who have been reading recent biographies of the Founding Fathers will love this book." -Michael Barone, US News & World Report
"Bill Bennett's book will stand as perhaps the most important addition to American scholarship at this, the start of the new century. For the past fifty years American historians have either distorted American history or reduced it to a mess of boring indictments of our cultural and political heritage. With this book Bennett offers to Americans young and old an exciting and enjoyable history of what makes America the greatest nation on earth. -Brian Kennedy, president, The Claremont Institute
Download and start listening now!
"A comprehensive overview - engaging, perceptive, and informative. Excellent for the curious and the unawares - hopefully it will pique an interest in an event or an episode in American history that will induce the interested and the inquisitive to seek out more focused works. Of course, this must by read with its companion Volume 2 to get the full exposure to the tapestry that is American history."
— Urey (4 out of 5 stars)
America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I) Listener Reviews
-
" Finally! Basically this is the story of America from it's discovery to just before the first world war. Some parts were slow and sometimes I wish I had graphs and timelines to help keep it all straight in mind, but over all it was quite interesting and I look forward to part two. "
— Shiloh, 2/18/2014 -
" I actually loved this book. It was really historical, but written well. Bennett did a great job illustrating history for me. "
— Liza, 2/14/2014 -
" My favorite history books (Vol. 1 & 2) to date. I love how Dr. Bennett introduces historical figures early in the narrative, before they are typically well known by history. "
— Steven, 2/10/2014 -
" One of the very best histories of the United States I've ever read. Rich in detail and superbly written. An instant classic. "
— Frank, 2/6/2014 -
" Bill Bennett did an amazing job with this two-volume book. Educational and entertaining. "
— Karl, 2/3/2014 -
" Love it! Learning so much more than what was in the history textbooks of my school years! "
— Latanya, 1/29/2014 -
" A must read for every student of American history. "
— Drew, 1/19/2014 -
" Good History of America. Has some interesting stories alongside the general history line. "
— Royce, 1/15/2014 -
" If you are looking for a good "overview" of U.S. History, this is it. Very well written. Not a hard read at all. I've read other books written by Bennett. I like his writing style. I recommend this as a good read to anyone interested in a easy to read, overview of U.S. History. "
— Paul, 1/15/2014 -
" Very nice summary of first portion of our country's history. "
— Mark, 12/22/2013 -
" Okay, so listening on tape isnt quite the same as reading it. However, it made some long car rides go by quicker. I enjoyed it and learned some new things and remembered things I once learned (in like the 4th grade). "
— Paulieanne, 12/10/2013 -
" Very good short course on America's history. Easy read and moves along smoothly. "
— Chick, 10/24/2013 -
" This is a great overview of American history. Bennett does a great job of touching upon just about everything in a very readable way. "
— Susan, 9/19/2013 -
" A history of America from 1492 to 1989. Very well written "
— Dennis, 9/21/2012 -
" As a student of American Thought rather than history this is a lovely book to give me a sampler. Even handed and smart! "
— Stephanie, 9/12/2012 -
" Great History book. "
— Anita, 7/9/2012 -
" Not quit done yet. I am up through Nixon. If you like history, and understanding some of why things happened, this is a great read. I keep saving it for Sunday so I can read something better, along with other books, on Sunday. "
— Mike, 1/31/2012 -
" Thouroughly enjoyed this book. I was amazed by the committment of some of the great leaders of the USA. "
— Casey, 12/17/2011 -
" somewhat disappointing in that it does not make it's case as well as one might have thought. Interesting details in historical accounts that I was not previously familiar with, but a little dull. "
— Scotts, 10/22/2011 -
" Simply a great book on the early stages of American history. "
— Shane, 12/19/2010 -
" Great historical reference. "
— Chris, 2/1/2009 -
" William Bennett does a superb job of covering American history, through events and individuals and their impact. What a great way to study our nation's past and marvel at how it all connects. "
— Marie, 2/2/2008 -
" I finally got my own copy of this book. It is incredibly interesting - if you are into history! The problem is the only time I have to read is at night. I can only get through a few pages before I fall asleep. "
— Julie, 11/19/2007 -
" This is one of the American history books ever. It's a very easy read. "
— Erin, 3/29/2007 -
" Not the most exciting read, but I made a goal to read a history book and I have really enjoyed it so far. "
— Janie, 8/28/2006
About William J. Bennett
William J. Bennett, bestselling author, educator, and speaker, is a conservative pundit, politician, and political theorist. He served as Secretary of Education from 1985 to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. A former senior editor of the National Review, he writes for the National Review Online, National Review, and Commentary.
About Wayne Shepherd
Wayne Shepherd’s
voice is heard widely in
Christian radio and television, as well as numerous audiobooks and special projects. With nearly forty years of broadcast experience, Wayne serves a growing
number of clients as a radio host, interviewer, voice-over talent, and consultant.