THE AMERICAN CENTURY.

by Evans Harold

Hardcover Book with Dustcover

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, American, Reference

721 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 1998

Reviews

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to historical photos, Harold Evans decided that there was no such thing as too much. This coffee table book tells the story of the United States in the 20th century with no only photos but well-written text as well. He looks not only at the big events and leaders but makes sure to show how Americans lived and the ways our culture changed during that century without relying on platitudes. This book belongs on every American history buff's coffee table. A book I have long treasured.

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American Century by Harold Evans (Alfred A. Knopf 1998) (973.9) is a huge coffee table-sized book that well summarizes the twentieth century. Roughly divided into chapters corresponding to decades, I was impressed with how readable the author made what was at times hard slogging. My rating: 8/10, finished 1/28/13.

[Robby Delaware · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking to sit down with a couple beers and look at an amazing book, I recommend this one. Truly astounding. Got as a Christmas gift in the 90's, re-read this summer.

[Sean Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really should be required reading for every student of American History--and for every American. As with all great history books, this one goes beyond just relating events, dates and people. Rather, it gives the reader a deeper understanding of what really was going on in a variety of areas. The sections on the two world wars and the Civil Rights movement are particularly good.

As an example of the deeper analysis Evans gives us, he doesn't give us the plain vanilla standard reasoning behind the dropping of the first Atomic bombs (to avoid an invasion of mainland China and save lives). Avoiding an invasion was part of it, but he also talks at length about Trumans' motives, including the very strong desire to act in Japan before Russia had a chance to mobilize and ask to be part of any invasion. The Atomic bomb ended the war quickly and also gave Americans full control in determining how to manage post-war Japan.

[Betty Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book was unfortunately eclipsed at the time of publication, around 1998, by similar-themed but lesser books by Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather. I saw Harold Evans on TV C-Span’s Booknotes at the time, marvelously interviewed by Brian Lamb, & knew I had to head to Barnes & Noble immediately & shell out $50 for this quality work.

[Kathy Burden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book if you're a history buff. Very interesting, and terrific photographs. The more I study history, the more I realize history really does repeat itself at times!

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! This was a lucid and candid read with lots of great pictures to explain what words could not.