Who's Who in American History: Leaders, Visionaries, and Icons Who Shaped Our Nation

by K.M. Kostyal, John M. Thompson, William R. Gray

This beautiful family reference from National Geographic tells the story of America through its presidents, revolutionaries, visionaries, inventors, entertainers—and even its most notorious villains.

Far more than an encyclopedia, this treasury tells the rich stories of the people who made America's history—and adds context with lush photographs, illustrations, timelines, artifacts, and more. Beginning with pre-colonial America and continuing through today, this beautifully illustrated book details the fascinating lives of the men and women who helped build the story of our nation. Arranged chronologically, it features more than 400 entries illustrated with lavish four-color photography and elegant illustrations. Intriguing stories and historical maps provide additional context in this comprehensive and enlightening look at America's storied past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

368 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2017

Reviews

[Leah K]

I'm that nerd that reads table top decor books from beginning to end and this book is no different. Filled with pictures and facts, Who's Who, goes through hundreds of people that shaped the United States. As always, they're short descriptions but it did make me look into books on some of the subjects to add to my pile of to-be-read books. I feel some people shouldn't have been in there and others should have been added but it was your typical research book and a good beginner into US history.

[Amy]

I did not read this whole book, but I did browse through it and it is well done.

The book is arranged chronologically and divided into eras. At the beginning of each era is a brief history of the time and then biographies are provided (in alphabetical order) for important people from that period. Sprinkled throughout are important things that occurred in history during each specific era, i.e. Salem Witch Trials, "Virginia's Dynastic Heritage," the private homes or our first presidents, Abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, "The Gilded Age," opulent lifestyle of America's robber barons, "Un-American Activities," "Rosie the Riveter," "Preserving America," the environmental movement takes off, and much much more!

Each biography provides the name of the person, their birth and death (where applicable) dates, and why they are famous. Each bio is 3-5 paragraphs (average) long. Some interesting bios that I found: Powhatan (Wahunsonacock), Sally Hemings, Francis Scott Key, Betsy Ross, Tecumseh, John James Audubon, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Belle Boyd, Andrew Carnegie, Mary Cassatt, Queen Liliuokalani, Juliette Gordon Low, J.P. Morgan, John Muir, Walt Disney, Woody Guthrie, Warren G. Harding, Ernest Hemingway, Charles Lindbergh, George Marshall, Ringling Brothers, Lucille Ball, Walter Cronkite, Edward Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Thurgood Marshall, Joseph McCarthy, Julius & Ethel Rosenberg, Jack Ruby, Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou, Joseph Biden, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Michael Jordan, John McCain, Sandra Day O'Connor, Sally Ride, and Oprah Winfrey.

At the end of the book are appendices for U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents & First Ladies, Chief Justices of the United States, and Presidential Medal of Freedom Winners. There are also lists for NASA and the Race to the Moon and Minority Firsts in Political Office

Finally, there is a list of Further Resources that includes books and websites.

As with any Who's Who, this is a subjective list, but the contributors seemed to have incorporated people from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Kudos to National Geographic for producing this valuable resource!