Early(ish) History of America

[Aitch]

Can anyone recommend a history of America/the USA that fits the following criteria:


Covers the period from a bit before the discovery of the place until a bit after the Civil War.
Readable (ie not a 'scholarly tome')
Cheap or, at least, not too expensive
Easily available
Low on anti-Brit polemic


Thanks. :)

[Gravy]

Samuel Eliot Morison: "The Oxford History of the American People" Vols. 1&2 (prehistory through Civil War reconstruction).

Very readable, dirt cheap and readily available. A bit dated (1965) but covers the basics well, particularly the colonial era, Revolutionary War, and politics. Morison won two Pulitzer prizes, one for what is perhaps the best history of the US navy in WWII.

One caveat: Morison rightly received much criticism for part of a much earlier book he co-authored with another famous historian, Henry Steele Commager. That textbook depicted slaves as basically better off in America than in Africa (a relatively common view of historians at that time) and used racist language. So if you're going to read "American People," keep in mind that, um, slavery is horrible.

If you want to go more in depth, and since the Civil War isn't Morison's strength anyway, you can read up to the 1840's and switch to a better history that covers the 1840s-1860s. James McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom is an outstanding single volume history (and won him the 1988 Pulitzer prize). It's also cheap if bought used. IIRC it doesn't get much into Reconstruction, the period after the Civil War.

I hate to recommend a video when you asked for a book, but Ken Burns' The Civil War series is marvelous.

You may come across a very brief Civil War history by Winston Churchill. It's really about Gen. Robert E. Lee and is not a good general history.

[Richard Masters]

Are you looking for a book on the history of America or on the history of the United States of America?

[hgc]

The Book of Mormon has a very interesting account of early American history.

[UnrepentantSinner]

Are you looking for a book on the history of America or on the history of the United States of America?

It helps to read the OP, not just the thread title.
Can anyone recommend a history of America/the USA that fits the following criteria:

[Aitch]

Samuel Eliot Morison: "The Oxford History of the American People" Vols. 1&2 (prehistory through Civil War reconstruction).


Thanks. I'll check it out.

keep in mind that, um, slavery is horrible.

Really? Well, I never. You'll be telling me next that Santa doesn't exist. :)

You may come across a very brief Civil War history by Winston Churchill. It's really about Gen. Robert E. Lee and is not a good general history.

I have been considering The Great Republic by WSC, which I think IS a general history and covers the period I mentioned (plus more). Any opinions on that?

It does cover up to the start of the Cold War and I am not sure history of the time that the historian has lived through can be free from personal bias. Mind you, can any history?

Are you looking for a book on the history of America or on the history of the United States of America?

Good question. I suppose what would be best would be a history of North America, ie including Mexico and Canada, but for the time being one of the USA would be a good start. I think.

The Book of Mormon has a very interesting account of early American history.

:D

[Worm]

I'm currently reading 'The Pengiun History of the United States' by Hugh Brogan, and it's very readable.

It covers far more than the period that you are interested in though.

I also have the Dummy's Guide to US History and that is very accessible.

[Gravy]

I have been considering The Great Republic by WSC, which I think IS a general history and covers the period I mentioned (plus more). Any opinions on that?I haven't read it.

[Aitch]

Are you looking for a book on the history of America or on the history of the United States of America?

I think, maybe, I should expand on what I said about this. Please bear in mind that the last time I studied any history was about 40 years ago.

The USA (as it is now) is the main/dominant country of North America. As such, I suppose, a history of the continent of North America would mainly concern the USA (apologies to any Canadians and Mexicans reading this post :o). Presumably Canada and Mexico are covered by separate history books (makes note to check with Amazon), although a decent history of the USA would include a certain amount about its interactions with its neighbours.

I also feel that the pre-history of the continent (ie pre Columbus etc) could probably be covered by a single text. I could be wrong - will need to check. Any recommendations gratefully received. :)

Wrt to modern history, I am dubious about its accuracy (possibly the wrong word). I suspect you need a minimum of 50 to 100 years for political/religious/personal aspects to settle down to the point that an unbiassed history can be written, which I why I chose the post-Civil War period as a cut-off point. Again, I could be wrong and any arguments to that effect will be received with interest.

Sorry that this is a bit of a rambling post - history is, as I said earlier, a new area of interest for me.

[leonAzul]

II also feel that the pre-history of the continent (ie pre Columbus etc) could probably be covered by a single text. I could be wrong - will need to check. Any recommendations gratefully received. :)

I can highly recommend 1491 New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann. (http://www.amazon.com/1491-Revelations-Americas-Before-Columbus/dp/1400032059/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211733667&sr=8-1)

It is very well-written and includes an extensive bibliography for further research. The author is a journalist who has consulted with experts in the field. The result is more a survey of the history of research into pre-Columbian America than an attempt at linear narrative.