Reflecting on his career, Stephen E. Ambrose -- one of the country's most influential historians -- confronts America's failures and struggles as he explores both its moral and pragmatic triumphs. To America celebrates the men and women who invented the United States and made it exceptional. Taking a few swings at today's political correctness, Ambrose grapples with the country's historic sins of racism, its neglect and ill treatment of Native Americans, and its tragic errors. He reflects on some of the early founders -- great men such as Washington and Jefferson -- who, while progressive thinkers, lived a contradiction as slaveholders. He contemplates the genius of Andrew Jackson's defeat of a vastly superior British force with a ragtag army in the War of 1812. He describes the grueling journey that Lewis and Clark made to open up the country, and the building of the railroad that produced great riches for a few barons. Ambrose explains the misunderstood presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, records the country's assumption of world power under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt, and extols the heroic victory of World War II. He explores women's rights and civil rights, immigration, museum and nation-building. Most importantly, Ambrose tells us about writing history, and about what an historian's job is all about. As he says, "The last five letters of the word 'history' tell us that it is an account of the past that is about people and what they did, which is what makes it the most fascinating of subjects." As he reflects upon American history, Ambrose shares his own personal history. To America is an instant classic for those interested in history, patriotism, and the love of writing.
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"I enjoyed this look into the mind of one of the best known author/historians of our age. In this book he has helped me discover the thoughts and feelings of many of the most influential men our country has produced and their impacts on this country I love and for which I have fought. Probably my favorite book by this author to date since it discusses his thought, feelings and relationships rather than what he has researched. This book, and Comrades has helped me know this author." — Scott (5 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoyed this look into the mind of one of the best known author/historians of our age. In this book he has helped me discover the thoughts and feelings of many of the most influential men our country has produced and their impacts on this country I love and for which I have fought. Probably my favorite book by this author to date since it discusses his thought, feelings and relationships rather than what he has researched. This book, and Comrades has helped me know this author."
“Stephen Ambrose is that rare breed: an historian with true passion for his subjects.”
“An exciting classroom lecture by a well-beloved teacher.”
“An excellent read…a must for history fans…To America is a love letter to the nation.”
“Stunning…Stephen Ambrose should be assigned a special, honored place among modern historians…All of us who write or read history are in his debt.”
“He does not shy away from writing about America’s sins, both past and present, but Ambrose’s undying faith in his country and his fellow citizens is inspiring.”
" Great stories about how he became the writer he was. "
" Stephen Ambrose is at his best as a storyteller of history. His other books bring the men and women of history to life. This book was a bit disappointing. Sometimes Ambrose leans toward American exceptionalism. Sometimes he leans toward progressivism. But most of the time his political analysis is surprisingly trite. "
" I'm not a history buff, but I am an enthusiast - and a writer - and this book has something for both those sides of me. I like Ambrose's detail of the history of his own evolution over the years writing about people and events. It made me hungry to read more of his work and to visit World War II sites and museums. "
" I really enjoyed this book and I learned so much. It made me realize how much I need to go back and discover with our country's history. It is so interesting to think about how time and research can maybe alter what we thought we knew and a new view of events may surface. We have an amazing country with an incredible heritage. "
" This is the book that completely changed the way I thought about many things. Ambrose tells the story of how he was a Dove during Vietnam, but how his exposure to veterans of WWII changed his perception of things. It made me realize that there is always two side to every story and that one side or the other is not always completely right or wrong. "
" This book is like having several conversations with Stephen Ambrose (a well respectred historian and author) about his views of America, from WWII to race relations. "
" Very entertaining listening to the musings of one of my favorite authors just before his death. Regardless of the controversies surrounding him, I still find his books to be entertaining and engaging. "
" Sad that we had to come to the end of Stephen's books. Well done and thank you! "
" "Memoir"-like essays from a very readable historian. I enjoyed this one. "
" While a decent survey of some interesting moments in american history, this is a very self promotional book in many ways, one which might have tried, but fails, to address the genuine concerns of Ambrose's academic honesty. "
" I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, but near the end I felt it became less about America and more an autobiography. It was required reading for school so I had to finish it, but I was definitely dragging through "
" This was Steven Ambrose's final book. It is an easy read, and a good one too. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to get into reading history, but has a short attention span. "
" Enjoyable read with tidbits of history. I enjoy Ambrose's prose. I need to be more dedicated finishing his other books. But this is a nice taste for his works and a good way to get to know him personally as an author historian. "
" A great selection of the figures from American history that Ambrose thinks are important. "
" I really adore Ambrose's writing style. Very clear and crisp, and he's a great storyteller. This was one of the books that got me interested in history (although the subject is now buried in my mind because of the intense amount of science). "
" very inspiring - made me want to study history more fervently. "
" I love this book... I used parts of it to teach a comparative history course. Amrose is at his best... chewing on issues that produce great discussions about what makes America what it is. "
" Want my kids to listen to this. "
" Excellent content covered in this book. Lots of pros and cons on each President and political person he discusses. Just when I think he agrees with my historical reflection of a person, he finds another side to present...so it isnt a skewering or a pedastal for anyone! "
" Oh beautiful for spacious skies... "
" This is much more of a historiography than a history. But very interesting how the author gets into his subjects and how he researches them. "
" A work of art in historical writing. "
" Ambrose is so far my favorite modern historian (Mormon is my favorite ancient one) "
" Probably the best history book I have read. Profound insights from a man who spent his life studying and writing about history. You have to read his spot on assessment of our founding fathers. GREAT book. "
" This is the last book written by this author, before he died. He went over subjects ( history)that he had written in previous books.He wrote a lot about the Wars and the past presidents. "
Stephen E. Ambrose (1936–2002) was the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including Citizen Soldiers, Undaunted Courage, and D-Day, as well as biographies of Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon. He also founded the Eisenhower Center and was president of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. His book, Band of Brothers, was the basis for the HBO miniseries. He was also a contributing editor for the Quarterly Journal of Military History, a member of the board of directors for American Rivers, and a member of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council Board.
Henry Strozier is an actor with a forty-year career in numerous movies and television series. Also a voice-over artist, he has worked extensively in video games and audiobook narration, earning several AudioFile Earphones Awards.
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