“American History Revised is as informative as it is entertaining and humorous. Filled with irony, surprises, and long-hidden secrets, the bo...
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reviews
Jun 10, 2010
Chris
rated it: 
American History Revised is an enjoyable read. It is not revisionist history, but rather a look at some of the lesser known aspects of American history. "200 startling facts" are spread through ten theme-based chapters. It makes for easy reading, and as each startling fact only takes up a page or two, this book works best as something to keep on the coffee table to flip through now and then.
However, I do not recommend this book for serious history readers. The format preven More...
However, I do not recommend this book for serious history readers. The format preven More...
Jul 31, 2010
Mark
rated it: 
A high-quality bathroom reader (200 articles - some as short as a couple of paragraphs) on the "betcha didn't know that" of American history. The book is better than that description makes it out to be - there's some incisive analysis of economics, trends & common wisdom amidst the mini-profiles of important Americans unrecognized by standard history texts.
For me, the kicker was the story of the Bennett Place negotiations at the end of the Civil War between General Johnston More...
For me, the kicker was the story of the Bennett Place negotiations at the end of the Civil War between General Johnston More...
Jun 20, 2010
Book
rated it: 
I was half asleep when I picked up this book, but I was wide awake by the end of the introduction. Then I kept going. Wow. Lucidly written and vigorously explained, it combines specific historical events analysis with honest self-reflection.
It's both insightful and fresh. The strength of the book its focusing on specific issues that could spark further research and awareness.This is a provocative and enjoyable book, full of eye-opening surprises, which can be read cover to cover or dipped More...
It's both insightful and fresh. The strength of the book its focusing on specific issues that could spark further research and awareness.This is a provocative and enjoyable book, full of eye-opening surprises, which can be read cover to cover or dipped More...
Sep 13, 2010
Bev
rated it:
Well worth reading, answers many questions I've had about history, many details about personalities of history and most importantly rectifies many errors that have crept into current school history books. The author is very good, interesting read, but some facts I don't buy. Some conclusions are made without validation. The most egregious error was stating that the Mountain Meadows Massacre was done by religious fanatics who believe in blood atonement.
Jan 27, 2012
Kate
rated it:
The book presented interesting facts, but it got tedious as I continued through. I understand that the author wanted the facts to surprise you and as a result concealed details about who was involved or when it happened until later in the description, but I found it aggravating by the end of reading and it took me longer to read it than it should have because I was frustrated and kind of bored.
Jan 24, 2011
Ron
rated it:
Breezily written collection of facts that generally are not taught in American History courses. Kind enough to provide bibliography of sources, but did not list sources with each fact. The author swallowed the lie that Soviet Union had overwhelming number of divisions on the Eastern Front (if so why did it take them so long to conquer Germany?). In all a decent read.
Jun 06, 2010
Erik
rated it:
Fascinating book. Not so much the "what you've always thought is wrong" type of history book but more of a "hey, here's something interesting you probably didn't know."
I found it quite enjoyable with just enough detail on each piece of history to get the feel but not too much to make it dry and boring.
I found it quite enjoyable with just enough detail on each piece of history to get the feel but not too much to make it dry and boring.
Nov 02, 2010
William
rated it:
Mr. Morris picked out an entertaining selection of little-known events and discrepancies in American history. At times, however, it did seem like a later reference would contradict a former, so I would have liked cross-references between the startling facts. As always, I prefer footnotes instead of an annotated bibliography.
The format is well-suited for those times when you're caught in the bathroom without something to read. It's a bit large to be carrying around town.
The format is well-suited for those times when you're caught in the bathroom without something to read. It's a bit large to be carrying around town.
Dec 17, 2010
Grace
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. The author is not a professional historian, but a businessman who is interested in history. Which gave it a different perspective. There were definitely some startling facts, and some I already knew, but probably only because I read history books. Second book I've read describing Woodrow Wilson's incredible level of racism. I liked the book's section showing how history repeats itself. Overall, a good read.
Feb 24, 2011
Lynettes
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History nerd in me couldn't resist this in the library. Interesting facts and tidbits on US History.
May 06, 2010
Ann
rated it:
this is the kind of non-fiction I like--bits and pieces and easily digestible. I enjoyed this even as a non-history person.
Feb 08, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
We went to the nat'l archives yesterday and i found this in the gift shop. I read the preface last night and have decided that this could possible be the best American history book every written. He quotes Samuel Johnson "Anecdotes are the gleaming toys of history." In 1931, while crossing Fifth Avenue in NY, an Englishman used to looking to the right looked the wrong way and was hit by a taxicab - but survived. Had Winston Churchill walked a second faster, he could have been run ov
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Dec 11, 2011
Katie
rated it:
A really interesting book. I learned a lot from it and it made me want to read more history books. Always a plus.
Aug 17, 2010
Diana
rated it:
History has a tendency to be sanitized and abridged, and lots of facts drop through the cracks. This book attempts to bring to light a lot of the omissions and misconceptions of American history.
I really enjoyed both the concept and the content of this book. It was fun to read through in bits and pieces and learn a lot of new things. The thematic chapters made a lot of parallels, but I did find myself a little confused as I would read about the Revolution multiple times throughout th More...
I really enjoyed both the concept and the content of this book. It was fun to read through in bits and pieces and learn a lot of new things. The thematic chapters made a lot of parallels, but I did find myself a little confused as I would read about the Revolution multiple times throughout th More...
Dec 22, 2011
M-dawg
rated it:
Most of the stories in this book I have never read. They bring to life some lesser known and interesting facts about American history. That being said, there are a few facts that are lesser known for a reason. Most of the stories are short and the author prompts readers to research the certain topics that interest them.
Aug 06, 2010
Michael
rated it:
More random historical facts to clutter my mind. Some was already known, but others were interesting takes. A good bathroom companion.
Jun 08, 2011
Sally
rated it:
Pretty biased on modern social topics. Very interesting and fun to read historical snippets. Recommended for young people! Needs to be shelved in young adult and adult history alike.
Apr 02, 2011
Pamela
rated it:
Want to add a copy to personal library. Great reference for history teachers.
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