The American Century

Rating:
Summary: Author will listen - and speak
Review: I thank the on-line reviewers and especially responses from people who lived the history like the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Spencer whose adventures in the Atlantic I featured in the section on World War II. We owe a great deal to that generation, nothing less than the survival of our civilisation. I wrote the American Century - it took 12 years - because I became aware that many Americans had an imperfect realisation of how we got where we are as the freest country in the world. So I hope young people and newcomers to the country will find the story rewarding and thrilling. I would particularly welcome ideas how I might reach the next generation who will take over where we left off. I am wllling to speak to appropriate groups.Just one comment on an on-line reviwer who thought there was a "leftist" approach in the book. It is true I deal with many of the struggles for reform, and am sometimes critical. But the book is non partisan as reviewers like John Kenneth Galbraith, General Colin Powell and others acknowledge. I think Gary Wills had it right when he wrote: "This is an honest book. Because it truly cares about America, it is also a patriotic one."

Rating:
Summary: Missing many key events
Review: Overall, I rather enjoyed reading this somewhat lengthy history of the period 1889-1989. The book consisted of a series of snipets, or small stories, broken up by periodic opinion pieces at the beginning of chapters. However, many of the key events and figures of this period have been (perhaps necessarily) omitted. All those curious about modern history should read and enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book that should be read
Review: The authors cover many of the events that occurred during the timeframe so I believe you can get some decent background info from the book. However, it is very political and seems to blame the country for not adopting a social welfare state much sooner. In many areas, it is too superficial and quickly concludes "where was a government program to cure these ills of history" and doesn't really explore the causes of problems. Case in point, American farmers fed the world during WW-1 as European agriculture was in shambles. That allowed American farmers to enjoy strong prices and high incomes in the war years. But in the 1920s, the European farmers were back and the market suffered from classic oversupply and farm incomes declined. The authors don't report that or even classify the war years as an anomoly for farmers. Instead, they focus on the unfairness that the farmers didn't participate to the same degree in the prosperity of the 1920s. The tone gets very upset with thoughts that the federal government should have prevented this like our wonderful never-ending farm programs of today that have us subsidizing the growth of tobacco and mohair wool. In other areas, the book is wrong. For example, it traces the formation of the Federal Reserve System to JP Morgan's inability to stem the bank failures and outflow of gold in the Panic of 1907. Actually, Morgan was very successful in rescuing the powerless federal government and raising gold in Europe to prop up our banks. The Federal Reserve System arose as the government was worried about having one private man being able to wield so much financial power. All in all, the historical background is there and is a good primer, but be prepared to listen to a lecture of what is fair and right and what is not.

Rating:
Summary: Too Liberal
Review: The authors cover many of the events that occurred during the timeframe so I believe you can get some decent background info from the book. However, it is very political and seems to blame the country for not adopting a social welfare state much sooner. In many areas, it is too superficial and quickly concludes "where was a government program to cure these ills of history" and doesn't really explore the causes of problems. Case in point, American farmers fed the world during WW-1 as European agriculture was in shambles. That allowed American farmers to enjoy strong prices and high incomes in the war years. But in the 1920s, the European farmers were back and the market suffered from classic oversupply and farm incomes declined. The authors don't report that or even classify the war years as an anomoly for farmers. Instead, they focus on the unfairness that the farmers didn't participate to the same degree in the prosperity of the 1920s. The tone gets very upset with thoughts that the federal government should have prevented this like our wonderful never-ending farm programs of today that have us subsidizing the growth of tobacco and mohair wool. In other areas, the book is wrong. For example, it traces the formation of the Federal Reserve System to JP Morgan's inability to stem the bank failures and outflow of gold in the Panic of 1907. Actually, Morgan was very successful in rescuing the powerless federal government and raising gold in Europe to prop up our banks. The Federal Reserve System arose as the government was worried about having one private man being able to wield so much financial power. All in all, the historical background is there and is a good primer, but be prepared to listen to a lecture of what is fair and right and what is not.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful,educating and encompassing
Review: The most insightful and truly honest rememberances of the 20th Century has been written. I looked forward to every new page and story, the photograghy was wonderous... thank you Mr. Evans for the enjoyment and enlightenment you have given me.

Rating:
Summary: Honest, Substantive History
Review: The obvious comparison with this book (and tape series) is Peter Jennings' "The Century." I've listened to both tape series. Here's the difference in a nutshell: Jennings' "Century" is slickly produced, grandly entertaining sound-bite history in which the Big Lies of right-wing "mainstream" media mythology are preserved without question. Evans' "Century" is nowhere nearly as slick or exquisitely entertaining. But it is a _history;_ it is substantive and honest and, for my money, far more worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: Very Well Done
Review: This Book is great for research projects, along with "The Century" and "The Greatest Genneration"

Rating:
Summary: Solid history but from left side of spectrum
Review: This book started well but became more and more of a labor to finish - the left-leaning perspective of the author was more pronounced as the book moved along. Overall, an enjoyable read, however I'd recommend A History of the American People by Paul Johnson for those interested in a little more depth.

Rating:
Summary: History with an Agenda
Review: This book truly surprised me. I expected a "coffee table" book full of pictures with not much content. What I found instead,are recounts of our history often buried. History that was-and still is- embarrassing for us. Harold Evans has done his research not by reading about history, but by traveling the country talking with and even living with the people that are the product of our actions throughout this century. I commend him. He has opened our eyes to many truths, like them or not.

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic Resource
Review: This book truly surprised me. I expected a "coffee table" book full of pictures with not much content. What I found instead,are recounts of our history often buried. History that was-and still is- embarrassing for us. Harold Evans has done his research not by reading about history, but by traveling the country talking with and even living with the people that are the product of our actions throughout this century. I commend him. He has opened our eyes to many truths, like them or not.