To America

Personal Reflections of an Historian

By: Stephen E. Ambrose

Narrated by: Jeffrey DeMunn

Completed shortly before Ambrose's untimely death, To America is a very personal look at our nation's history through the eyes of one of the twentieth century's most influential historians.

Ambrose roams the country's history, praising the men and women who made it exceptional. He considers Jefferson and Washington, who were progressive thinkers (while living a contradiction as slaveholders), and celebrates Lincoln and Roosevelt. He recounts Andrew Jackson's stunning defeat of a superior British force in the battle of New Orleans with a ragtag army in the War of 1812. He brings to life Lewis and Clark's grueling journey across the wilderness and the building of the railroad that joined the nation coast to coast. Taking swings at political correctness, as well as his own early biases, Ambrose grapples with the country's historic sins of racism; its ill treatment of Native Americans; and its tragic errors such as the war in Vietnam, which he ardently opposed. He contrasts the modern presidencies of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, and Johnson. He considers women's and civil rights, immigration, philanthropy, and nation building. Most powerfully, in this final volume, Ambrose offers an accolade to the historian's mighty calling.

Worth the read, but contains inconsistency

I realize that nobody agrees with everything on an opinionated historical recap, but I found myself disagreeing on multiple issues with the author. His patriotism is taken a little too far for me. I praise America, but do not try to defend its short comings to the extent that he does. He also tends to express his opinion as fact and use obscure examples to back up his point. On a positive note, the book is well written and the author is obviously very knowledgable on the subject. I recommend anyone who wants a brief and quick overview of our history.

To America

It is a easy to listen to exotation of the ww2 generation to today's
leaders to be & do what's best for america. great historical reference's liked the book, the final Ambrose good bye

Needs a Title, Doesn't It?

A personal reflection on American history from a leading US Historian. It is a wide-ranging collections of essays about America's past and his views and opinions of the events and people that shaped this country. It also includes many things about his personal life and how it relates to the history of our country. Short read, good book!

A History Lesson like You've Never Had

Although I never liked history class, I found this history professor riveting. Mr. Ambrose takes you through many of the more influential presidents, wars and conflicts through America's history. I felt I was hearing a more complete, unbiased (as much as anyone can be unbiased) view of our history from a man who has done exhaustive research, in addition to living through much of it. It really put our present situation in perspective for me.

Ambrose is a fair historian

He really is a great story teller, which is the way history should be presented. What's more is that in this book he is very up front about the fact that he has changed his opinion on a few things over time. The facts that he presents haven't changed but his opinion has and that gives you the sense that he is always telling facts about history. He separates fact from his opinion. His candor is refreshing.