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Book Review of American History in 100 Nutshells

American History in 100 Nutshells
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2579 more book reviews


Most books like this, and I've read several of them, aren't worth keeping around after you read them. By "books like this" I refer to those with titles such as "100 Battles (or People) Which (Who) Changed History." These are often full of major and minor historical errors, and are often "thrown together" by the authors.

While not a certified expert in American history (alas, no Ph.D.), I am extremely well read in this area. As such, I feel qualified to state this book is an exception. While I did note some bias of the author in describing the action of some major players, and what historian doesn't do that, this was limited to most recent players. Considering the polarization of politics in the last few decades, this is understandable. Remember, this book was published in 1992.

So, if you feel the need to read one of these books, choose this one.

Note: Two major errors were observed: 1) Lyndon Johnson did not resign his presidency (page 195), and 2) the American carriers in the Pacific during World War II did not turn the "tide of battle in two years" (page 172) as the Battle of Midway---which did turn the tide of battle in that theater---actually took place only six months after Pearl Harbor.