Tag Archives: US history

R.I.P. David McCullough

“And so many of the blessings and advantages we have, so many of the reasons why our civilization, our culture, has flourished aren’t understood; they’re not appreciated. And if you don’t have any appreciation of what people went through to … Continue reading

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The Books: “His Excellency: George Washington” (Joseph Ellis)

Daily Excerpt continues: Next book in my American history section is His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis Hard to believe but this is the last book on this particular bookshelf (at least the last one I’ve READ. I hav … Continue reading

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The Books: “George Washington : A Life” (Willard Sterne Randall)

Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is George Washington: A Life (Galahad Edition) by Willard Sterne Randall A huge book – this was the first biography I’ve ever read of Washington, actually. My main interests had been … Continue reading

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The Books: “Thomas Jefferson : A Life” (Willard Sterne Randall)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is Thomas Jefferson: A Life by Willard Sterne Randall Now I like Willard Sterne Randall’s books – I read his one on Hamilton, his one on Washington, and this enormous … Continue reading

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The Books: “Thomas Jefferson : Author of America” (Christopher Hitchens)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is Thomas Jefferson: Author of America by Christopher Hitchens. I admit it. I’m a Hitchens addict. I am also a US History addict – so this book was a particular … Continue reading

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The Books: “American Sphinx : The Character of Thomas Jefferson” (Joseph Ellis)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson by Joseph (“Yeah. I was in ‘Nam. DOH.”) Ellis. My favorite of all of his contemplative biographies – he really just hits … Continue reading

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The Books: “Alexander Hamilton : A Life” (Willard Sterne Randall)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is Alexander Hamilton: A Life by Willard Sterne Randall. Now that the Chernow biography of Hamilton has come out – there’s probably no need to read this one (unless you’re … Continue reading

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The Books: “The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin” (H.W. Brands)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H.W. Brands. As you can probably tell I have arranged my American History biographies (we’re in that section … Continue reading

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The Books: “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” (Benjamin Franklin)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin A must-read. I struggled with which excerpt to choose. I love the part when he decides to be a vegetarian (which … Continue reading

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The Books: “Samuel Adams : The Father of American Independence” (Dennis Brindell Fradin)

Next Daily Excerpt: Next book in my American history section is Samuel Adams: The Father of American Independence by Dennis Brindell Fradin This book is an over-size hardcover – and it’s filled with paintings, woodcuts, engravings, newspaper cartoons from the … Continue reading

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