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A Little History of the United States cover art

A Little History of the United States

By: James West Davidson
Narrated by: Arthur Morey
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Summary

How did a land and people of such immense diversity come together under a banner of freedom and equality to form one of the most remarkable nations in the world? Everyone from young adults to grandparents will be fascinated by the answers uncovered in James West Davidson's vividly told A Little History of the United States.

Davidson guides listeners through 500 years, from the first contact between the two halves of the world to the rise of America as a superpower in an era of atomic perils and diminishing resources.

In short, vivid chapters the audiobook brings to life hundreds of individuals whose tales are part of the larger American story. Pilgrim William Bradford stumbles into an Indian deer trap on his first day in America; Harriet Tubman lets loose a pair of chickens to divert attention from her escaping slaves; the toddler Andrew Carnegie, later an ambitious industrial magnate, gobbles his oatmeal with a spoon in each hand. Such stories are riveting in themselves, but they also spark larger questions to ponder about freedom, equality, and unity in the context of a nation that is and always has been remarkably divided and diverse.

©2015 James West Davidson (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about A Little History of the United States

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Another great piece of little history

Thoughts provoking and beautifully written. The reading is also great.
After reading I went on to buy a paper book, so I could read the book slower to digest the nutrition it has to provide.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars

quick canter through American history

does as is expected, puts major events into context. slightly annoying how every figures nickname is mentioned, the author is obsessed with it. a good spring board to then dip into another part of American history if desired.

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Great book

Really enjoyed this - I learned so much. The narrator is easy to listen to and moves along at a good pace. I will listen to more books in this series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great compact American history

I was looking for an easy to follow book about American history and found this. I like how the book is structured focusing on the key events and figures. Very clear reading with nice warm voice. Thank you!

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Outstanding

Great way to learn history . Some overarching themes like booms and bust, those with and those without…

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  • Overall
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written by a 15year old

the simplistic writing style is aimed at a simple audience and is full of airy-fairy propaganda. doesn't mention guns, half the presidents, conflicts or genocide of natives.

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Easy to listen to and the right depth for someone outside the USA

I found that the book held my attention all the way through covering everything that a non US national might want to know. There were well thought out surprises on the way and at the end I felt that I’d be happy to listen to it again rather than look at specific topics in more detail.

The only negative, I thought, was a rather nebulous conclusion that contrasted with the factual approach of the rest of the book.

Definitely recommend.

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A great, almost poetic, overview of US history.

JWD does much more than list historical events and comment on them. He has a broader perspective, and is able to draw parallels with other historical events, elsewhere in the world and throughout the US.
The less well known events & presidents are not given much time. But a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Highly recommend.

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