Review:While true that there are flaws, who could expect a complete history of the Great War in 600 pages, this is an essential work for anyone interested in the war that was a suicide of Europe. A war that has forever changed the West and turned the French into what they are today. Very well done. Yes, the proof reading in the hardcover volume is bad, that is not the author's fault. Shame on the publisher for that problem. Gilbert touches on real persons, the men in the trenches. His often poignant us... Read more

Review:I have read this book three times cover to cover and each time I come away with a new insight as to who we are as a nation and as a people.
This book is fundamentally one of the most important books I have read in my life time and is a must read for everyone, whether or not you are a citizen. The Crucible of War sets the foundation, the stage for who we are as a people and what our country is all about. In my opinion no student, amateur historian or US Citizen can fully contemplate the histo... Read more

Review:This book should be in every school and classroom in America and be required reading. Our children are being force fed liberal dogma. This book would help counter that garbage ! I am on my third reading ... Read more

Review:I have never found so many ideas explored in a book before. This book meanders like the river it celebrates, touching on everything from geography to personal narrative. It has wit and wisdom, tall tales and beautiful truths, stinging social commentary mixed with honest wonder at the changing times. All told in a voice as American as apple pie. I truly think Samuel Clemens cannot be rated highly enough in his capabilities as an observer, reporter, and bulls***ter. (I mean this in the most loving... Read more

Review:This was a good bio of 2 of the Well know Lawmen of the wild west and the town they helped tame. Did have lots of good stories of their lives and travels. Also many side stories of others who they encounter during their lives. What I really noticed is how much traveling they did when all they had was horses, wagons/stages and trains, all very slow back then. Mr Clavin just brings together many other bios written before in to one book. Not a lot of excitement in this book. Even the gun fights did... Read more

Review:This is one of the best books I've ever read but with reservations.
1. A self declared atheist/enlightment thinker should not quote Hebrew texts and Jewish prophets on every other page, but I guess this is not just a problem with Steven Pinker. Other fundamentalist atheists like Sam Harris and Dawkins also commit the same error shedding their wrath on Christianity and Islam. Mind you Evil has 3 roots not just 2. Why focus on 2 evils and skip the third let alone copy/paste paragraphs from it ... Read more

Review:Here's a review in process: I'm about 1/3-thru this book, and have found it to be almost entirely broad narrative of the Hoover presidency & American population trends. Gets pretty tedious. I'm hoping the author at some point relates individual experiences thru firsthand accounts, specific stories and vivid description of American lives that allow the reader to see, feel, taste what it was really like to live in this time period. Will update this review with hopefully more positive thing... Read more

Review:This provided most of the information I was looking for, although a bit right wing, "America is best" at times. Next time I go through it I need to have an atlas by my side! A couple of references to things I was unsure about (eg someone's act of treason) without further illucidation. Great to include the constitution, and a clever idea to stop it at 1920. It certainly helps me getter a better understanding of American culture. Read more

Review:Very detailed, fact oriented accusatory book. Shows only how misinforming and truth bending government is. Indigenous people were mistreated, exterminated and perhaps still being misunderstood. Was it inevitable? In a way, it was due to greed, ideology and cruelty. It shouldn't have happened though. My best respect to author! Read more

Review:I have loved all of the "Legend and Lies" books and was anxiously waiting for this one to be released. This book was of special interest to me because I am writing a book, a historical fiction based on a personal history of my great grandfather who served the Confederacy during the Civil War. I loved the book. It is engaging, honest and an eye-opener. Even if you've read a ton of books on the Civil War as I have, don't discount this one. You will love it. It stands out against many others ... Read more