A good thematic piece of storytelling, highlighting interesting and often lesser known people, places and events in order to elucidate some of the general themes that make up American history. Schama beautifully interweaves history with a few anecdotes from his own experience, but never letting personal opinion get in the way of story. Great book - bought it for a fellow Americanophile who also I know will appreciate its literary qualities. A short book for Schama but a very impressive piece of writing. By taking present day American situations he charts the rise of the US as a power in the world from its foundation to the present. He resists the temptation of historical extrapolation into the future but uses the past as a warning that we should all heed. Will this book turn out to be a case of a prophet never being welcome in his home land?
interesting stories, but I think it could be better organized
—Kitten
A look at the past in an attempt to clarify our future.
—catherine_011
Wow, I loved it.
—hcorby01