A Sense of History: The Best Writing from the Pages of American Heritage

by Byron Dobell (Introduction)

Essays discuss incidents and people in American history from colonial times to Vietnam and from Ethan Allen to Benjamin Bradlee

Genres: History, American History, Literature, Anthologies

832 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1985

Reviews

[Lesle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book in my early 20's. Read a majority of it and really enjoyed all the different history topics from Johnny Appleseed to the Two Greatest Presidents.

[Pete Iseppi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a long time fan of American Heritage magazine. I read it cover to cover for many years. That's why I'm mostly disappointed in the selection of articles for this compilation. All in all, this is an 800+ page book of boredom. Sad.

[Marfy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading a second time.

[James S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of dated and sentimental pieces on American history. Ho-hum at best.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as a senior in high school as I enrolled in my first book club. I felt so grown-up! Alas, I carried it around all these years and never actually picked it up to read it until a couple of years ago.

Well worth the wait. It's long--very long--but the essays capture vignettes of US history (through the early 80s) and personalities I would have never thought to read. A few of the essays didn't interest me at all, but many were very good and some were indeed page-turners, in a very real, "this really happened?!?!" kind of way. If you appreciate what history can teach you, or you like a good story, I'd pick it up (exercise for your biceps if you do--motivation!).

[Sean Mcdonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting short history stories. A few not so interesting ones too. Overall nice relaxing history read

[Greg Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the articles can get very boring. But there are also some very good ones.