Mine Eyes Have Seen: A First-Person History of the Events That Shaped America

by Richard Goldstein

From Simon & Schuster, Mine Eyes Have Seen is a first-person history of the events that shaped America.

Imagine being able to go back in time, through four colorful centuries of American history, to witness the most memorable events that shaped our nation. By bringing you nearly 150 first-person accounts of such pivotal moments, Mine Eyes Have Seen offers a direct link to the past, from the earliest days of our struggles for independence, our expansion into new territories, our wars against our enemies - and against each other.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Isin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huh.
I didn't read this book cover-to-cover. There isn't a point. It's everything you learned in your 7th grade history class, no new, informative information in it. However, it features words said by people from that time period, and we see how they truly felt about what was taking place. We get a feel for the people, not just the history.
So, if you're learning something about American history and you're getting really into it, it's good to have this book laying around, so you can pause, pick it up, flip to that section, and learn what the people felt.
I'll be keeping this book around with me, and maybe one day, I'll have read every word of it. For now, I think it's better to just read the sections(parts of history)that interests me and go from there.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting--about 120 events in US History with a first person account (diary, letter, journal, etc.) I love the conversation between Jefferson and Adams, debating about which of them should write the draft of the Declaration of Independence, as described by Adams. Adams gives Jefferson 3 reasons that he (Jefferson) should write it: he is a Virginian, he is popular and he is a better writer. Jefferson then says "Well, if you are decided, I will do it as well as I can." (p 37)

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting reference-type book of events in US history, told through first-hand accounts.

The first-hand accounts are what make the book really interesting -- it's not just another history book or book about history, but it has little snippets of accounts (taken from autobiographies, collections, newspapers, court reports, 911 calls, etc.) from people who were actually there.

[Bree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Notes:
an odd mix of stories
some are violent and have strong language
didn't come away from this book feeling like I knew more
mildly entertaining at best

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining for U.S. history lovers. Proves once again that primary sources are always the best, but snippets are very short.

[Ethan Kile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Nonfiction collection of first hand accounts of U.S. History. Very interesting

[Parker LeBaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every American should read this book and hear the stories that built America through the real life accounts of those who saw it all happen. Wonderful read.