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[This is part 3 of a 3 part audiobook cassette edition]Audible.com's #1 Highest Rated Audiobook of 2009

Johnson's monumental history of the United States extends from the first settlers to the Clinton administration and covers every aspect of American culture: politics, business, art, literature, science, social customs, and religious beliefs. The story is told in terms of the men and women who shaped and led the nation as well as the ordinary people who made up its unique character. Anne Hutchinson, Cotton Mather, Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, among others, are all presented in a fresh perspective. Wherever possible, letters, diaries, and recorded conversations are used to ensure a sense of actuality. This is an in-depth portrait of a great people, from their fragile origins and struggles for independence to their explosive economic growth and emergence as the world's sole superpower.Amazon.com Review
Paul Johnson, whose previous works include the distinguishedModern Timesand A History of theJews, has produced an epic that spans the history of theAmerican people over the past 400 years. The prolific narrative coversevery aspect of U.S. history, from science, customs, religion, andpolitics to the individual men and women who have helped shape thenation. His detailed, provocative examinations of political and socialicons, from Lyndon Johnson to Norman Rockwell, are especiallystrong. Johnson's text is intelligent and rich with detail, and yetextremely accessible for anyone interested in a reinterpretive analysisof America's past.

What makes this book unique is Johnson'sapproach to this self-professed Herculean task. The prevalent tonethroughout is optimism. Whether he's discussing race relations,industrialization, the history of women, immigrants, Vietnam, orpolitical correctness, Johnson--a staunch conservative who was born,bred, and educated in England--is openly enamored with America'spast, particularly the hardships and tribulations that the nation hashad to overcome. He sees this story as a series of important lessons,not just for Americans but for the whole of mankind as well. At a timewhen other contemporary scholars find it easier to bemoan the past,Johnson offers the reader "a compelling antidote to those whoregard the future with pessimism." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (207)

Very Satisfied
This book arrived when specified and in great condition. The book was in almost new condition as promised. I would definetely purchase products from this sender again. I am very satisfied.

The Story of the American People Viewed through Their Presidents
Paul Johnson's `History of the American People' is, as the author would have it, a salute to a people that he loves. It is a great work of history that only a true admirer of Americans could produce. And any lover of the American spirit will enjoy this book and hold onto its ideas as a central reference.

This is not to suggest that Johnson conveys preconceived notions of Americans that limit objectivity in any way, but rather that his biases allow for a more engaged and therefore engaging narrative. Only someone who truly loves his subject matter can delve into the thoughts and actions of that subject as freely as Johnson does in this book. The result is a thorough and insightful history. To use a quote from the text: "A book upon politics, morals or religion, containing no party or sectarian views, will be apt to contain no distinctive views of any kind, and will be likely to leave the mind in a state of doubt and skepticism, much more to be deplored than any party of sectarian bias."

Writing about the American people, Johnson dwells on the most prominent of those people, those being American statesmen and especially American presidents. This is somewhat ironic because, of all the countries in the world, America is perhaps the least reliant on and most disdainful of its leaders.

But there are many good reasons for this tack. To begin, the author is a British citizen and so will have a natural inclination to view a country's characteristics through its leaders, royal or otherwise. Any foreigner is obliged to view a country's people through its ambassadors, and that is especially true for one in a politically kindred nation like the U.K. The effect is to see the people as would an outsider, a faithful companion.

It is also true that the United States has bred some of the greatest figures in national politics, as Johnson points out, from the Founders to the very present. As such, it is essential for any history to focus on their lives and accomplishments. Though Johnson does not make the case, one could argue that the American presidents comprise the greatest and most competent leaders of any country in all of history.

And finally, if there is a country in which its political figures best represent the public at large, it is the United States. It is perhaps the very fact that America's leaders have traditionally been elected by the people that make her presidents so outstanding and capable, and so describing those leaders seems to be a valid and effective way to describe the people.

Granted, there is much more to the American people than the lives and accomplishments of their presidents. In the late 20th century, especially, it could be said, there has been a growing disconnect between America's leaders and her people. Johnson shows this in some ways, and yet still depends on the stories of the presidents to convey the overarching story (the assassination of Kennedy, the Nixon Watergate scandal, and the Clinton scandals being the prominent examples). In these sections, it seems as though the author sacrifices a view of the American people for one of some rather un-American events and personalities.

Despite the predominant focus, however, Johnson's vantage is comprehensive and convincing. The variety of information and the kind of topics covered are quite astounding. The reader learns of every major thread in the American fabric, from the Puritan and plantation foundations to the struggles with Indians and African slaves; from the Great Awakening to Manifest Destiny; from the war between the states to the rise of the central government and the Welfare State; from the robber barons to the automobile; and from jazz to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

If there is a single omission in this sprawling document of Americana, it is that of baseball, which is only mentioned twice in passing. All of sport is rather overlooked which is regrettable, and this is especially true for baseball, whose stories and themes are undeniably entwined with the American spirit. I would tend to agree with Barzun that "Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." At least it would be useful to know why presidents throw out the first pitch of notable games.

All in all, this is a phenomenal work and should be embraced by all Americans and anyone who loves them.

Amazing Historic Epic
Paul Johnson's "History of the American People" is a brilliant, all-encompassing survey of the American nation, told through its most notable personalities from George Washington to Bill Clinton. The main thrust of this volume is the rich political history, but is highlighted with vignettes on writers, musicians, and businesspeople. The result is one of the greatest tracts on the subject and an amazing story, albeit with a tragic American character arc from creation and vitality to scandal and mediocrity.

The history from the 17th century to the published year 1999 is entertaining and enlightening, giving the reader the typical American stories (presidential elections) but also the relatively unknown bits (early bizarre states' names and scandalous backstory on some 20th century presidents). Along the way, Johnson gives the reader a perspective of the world from North America (its influences such as George Berkley and its impact: after the American Revolution, Britain came out fine, Spain and France lost big time).

Johnson lays it on thick toward the end (rightly so in some cases) by criticizing the various undesirable characters (Franklin D Roosevelt and Kennedy (trumped up war heroism, fraudulent election, infidelity, "I am a donut"). He defends the heavily criticized Nixon and highly-regarded Reagan. But Johnson's naysayers are wrong that he's strictly partisan as he appears to glorify the Democratic Harry Truman. For the most part, Johnson is objective, but offers his unique perspective in apt times, for example the point of transition from a slave country to one filled with corruption ("after abolishing the organic sin of slavery witnessed the birth of an organic corruption in its executive and Congress").

As an American, the book will make you proud, but also should alert you to the shift that has taken place over the great story of America from a free, productive, and creative population to an increasingly enslaved, dependent, and scandalous one. The decade since its publish date hasn't improved our state of affairs, but perhaps with more people reading this book, we have at least the foundation for a comeback.

Confusing trying to be elegant history book ~
Confusing confusing! may be is not the author's fault. But history teacher who use this book as the textbook is definitely insane! Gosh, it is so confusing. Why do you need to use bombastic words and confusing sentences and story to blur out the history fact! my god, make my life suffer, i have no idea what are the points the author's trying to make, plus the history teacher who really dont care about teaching, i m gonna fail my test!

A History of the American People
The first 700 pages of this history are great! Unfortunately the last 300 pages reveal the author's biases! I don't understand how the author can absolve all of Nixon's presidential sins, but damn all the Supreme Court's rulings and the Democratic presidents since FDR! Does anyone wonder why GWB would award Paul Johnson the PMH, especially since GHWB was denigrated so thoroughly? ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1880.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A hard-hitting pick recommended for any serious business library collection.
The relationship between top management consultancy teams and their clients is reviewed through a series of case studies from large organizations working in both the public and private sectors to analyze the best consulting practices in management in Fiona Czerniawska & Paul May's MEASURING CONSULTING IN PRACTICE. Each case study is used as a foundation for analysis by a leading consulting industry commentator and a business technology author and consultant, making this a hard-hitting pick recommended for any serious business library collection. ... Read more

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"The Transatlantic Swim" ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone's favorite magician is up to her old tricks again in this Prestige Format one-shot! Although the sexy sorceress is riding high on a wave of popularity thanks to her stage act, she can't seem to sort out her personal life in order. And when old flame John Constantine comes back into her life, it can only mean trouble. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Magic, demons, and John Constantine...
Everyday Magic, though short, is indeed sweet.Zatanna is one of the few characters that I consider to be grossly underrated.Sure, the backwards magic talk shtick is a bit silly, but the character herself, if written well, is one of the more interesting characters to have ever graced the JLA watchtower.She also serves to bridge the gap between the Vertigo characters and DC's more mainstream superheroes.While you can see her alongside such characters as Batman and Green Lantern, you can just as easily picture her mucking about with John Constantine and the like.Which brings us to the book itself, which heavily features our trench coat wearing, chain smoking expert of the occult.The story largely revolves around something of a clumsy, though justifiable misstep, which leaves him in a bit of a tough spot.Though reluctant, our fishnet wearing protagonist sets out to help her former flame.This leads to a somewhat humorous showdown between the title character and the attractive, but psychotic, character responsible for the sorry state John Constantine's found himself in.There's plenty of fun here, with catty exchanges of dialogue and the likes.Though by no means does this book even scratch the surface of what the Vertigo line has to offer, it's still an entertaining, light read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Historically very inaccurate
In the preface, the author states that this is his personal opinion/interpretation of Jewish history, and it certainly is. The underlying premise of the book seems to be "Assuming that God does not really exist, and the Bible/Torah is not a credible work of antiquity, how can we explain/understand it?' The author takes for granted that the Bible/Torah is inaccurate, antiquated, distorted, and in most accounts unbelievable, unless its accounts are verified by some type of other ancient writings. I don't know why he doesn't hold those other writings to the same doubtful scrutiny he does the Bible, and why he accepts other ancient writings at face value, but not the Bible. Prophecy, miracles and other supernatural phenomena are dismissed as the obvious imaginings of primitive, uneducated, unscientific minds, since, if God does not exist, they could not really have happened. The author is obviously influenced by the classical, anti-God, anti-religious, anti-Biblical criticism of the European Enlightenment, which cannot accept that the Bible might be a credible document, sometimes describing phenomena which, although true, are beyond our limited understanding and scope of present scientific inquiry. He blatantly misquotes and misrepresents many texts and incidents in the Biblical text, to such a degree that I wonder if he really read the passages on which he is commenting, as a simple reading would prove him wrong in his assertions and interpretations. This is definitely not an historical account, but a creative, subjective opinion. I will grant that the author does a good job at describing Jewish history during the Middle Ages and the Enlightenment Period in Europe, but only as far as non-religious Jewish life goes, for which he devotes countless chapters and hours, describing in great detail the biographies and accomplishments of the leaders of the Haskalah, or Enlightenment, who strove to liberate Jews from their traditional, Torah-centered way of life. As far as religious movements, like the Chassidic and Mussar Movements, which have greatly and universally impacted Jewish life since the early 1800s, there is barely a mention, I think one sentence, and then only incidentally, to mention how the leaders of those movements opposed the Enlightenment. In my opinion, this is definitely not worth wasting money on. Instead, consider the works by Rabbi Berel Wein; he really understands and teaches Jewish History as it was and is, without embellishing it with ignorant and uneducated biases. ... Read more

Product Description
The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its own: digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.
The Age of Enlightenment profoundly enriched religious and philosophical understanding and continues to influence present-day thinking. Works collected here include masterpieces by David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as religious sermons and moral debates on the issues of the day, such as the slave trade. The Age of Reason saw conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism transformed into one between faith and logic -- a debate that continues in the twenty-first century.
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The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification:
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British Library

T047575

With a half-title.

London : printed for James Crokatt, 1742. [6],14p. ; 4° ... Read more

Product Description
Musician, May 1990. Music magazine containing articles on Paul McCartneys tour (cover story), Elvis Costello (who talks about writing and recording with McCartney), Mark Knopfler. R.E.M.s Peter Buck, Peter Murphy, the Kronos Quartet, Cecil Taylor, Ahmad Jamal, and Rob Wasserman. ... Read more

Product Description
The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its own: digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.
The Age of Enlightenment profoundly enriched religious and philosophical understanding and continues to influence present-day thinking. Works collected here include masterpieces by David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as religious sermons and moral debates on the issues of the day, such as the slave trade. The Age of Reason saw conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism transformed into one between faith and logic -- a debate that continues in the twenty-first century.
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The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification:
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British Library

T047576

With a half-title.

London : printed by E. Allen, and sold by C. Bathurst, [1776]. [2],24,[2]p. ; 4° ... Read more

Product Description
The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its own: digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.
The Age of Enlightenment profoundly enriched religious and philosophical understanding and continues to influence present-day thinking. Works collected here include masterpieces by David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as religious sermons and moral debates on the issues of the day, such as the slave trade. The Age of Reason saw conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism transformed into one between faith and logic -- a debate that continues in the twenty-first century.
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The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification:
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Library of Congress

N009816



London : printed for the author; and sold by M. Cooper, 1744. xix,[1],332,[4]p. ; 8° ... Read more

Product Description
The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its own: digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.
The Age of Enlightenment profoundly enriched religious and philosophical understanding and continues to influence present-day thinking. Works collected here include masterpieces by David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as religious sermons and moral debates on the issues of the day, such as the slave trade. The Age of Reason saw conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism transformed into one between faith and logic -- a debate that continues in the twenty-first century.
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The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification:
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John Rylands University Library of Manchester

T102828

Also issued as part of: 'The truth and excellence of the Christian religion asserted', London, 1702.

London : printed for Richard Sare, 1701. 32p. ; 4° ... Read more

Product Description
The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its own: digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.
The Age of Enlightenment profoundly enriched religious and philosophical understanding and continues to influence present-day thinking. Works collected here include masterpieces by David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as religious sermons and moral debates on the issues of the day, such as the slave trade. The Age of Reason saw conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism transformed into one between faith and logic -- a debate that continues in the twenty-first century.
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The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification:
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British Library

T020555



London : printed at London: and sold by Mr. Bathurst; Messrs. Rivington; Mr. Whiston; Mr. Payne; Mr. Davies; Mr. Horsfield; Mr. Hingeston; Messrs. Richardson and Urquhart; and Mr. Almon. Also by Mr. Woodyer, at Cambridge; Mr. Prince, at Oxford; Mr. G. Fro 31,[1]p. ; 8° ... Read more