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America, Empire Of Liberty: A New History (2009)

by David Reynolds(Favorite Author)

4.15 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1846140560 (ISBN13: 9781846140563)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Allen Lane

review 1: David Reynolds has neither the glamorous wordplay of a Simon Schama or the allusions to modernity of the tetchy academic David Starkey. Yet he is fast becoming a shrewd and thoughtful TV historian and a writer of impressive clarity. Empire of Liberty is an outstanding book in that on such a broad historical canvas he can pinpoint specific examples to tell the story of the growth of the USA as a superpower and its inherent contradictions as the country that was in part built on slavery and a racism that exists right up to today. For Reynolds there are three key themes (would Niall Ferguson call them "apps"?) - Empire, Liberty and Faith. It is true that such a general survey cannot cover everything and Reynolds says little about the American West; gunfighters or other more o... morebvious topics. It is also true that the chapters covering most recent history seem rushed and lacking in real detail. However, his narrative is still compelling looking at debunking the Columbus story and forensically examining the growth of the founding states of the later union. There are effective pen portraits of chief protagonists and some well selected stories covering less well known characters. His use of documentary evidence is careful and thoughtful and there are a range of literary as well as political voices. The choice of photos could have been more varied but there is a detailed and extensive bibliography. One wonders whether Reynolds publishers should have been tempted to commission a two or maybe three volume History. Reynolds seems a little overwhelmed by the complexity of the later story- I wanted more on Kennedy, Johnson and Carter as well as a greater depth on Tricky Dicky. the Clinton presidency is also fascinating and some aspects of his campaigning methods could have influenced Obama- Reynolds missed the opportunity to compare.If one accepts that a one volume history is needed then Reynolds would be hard to beat- not only because it will lead you to more detailed academic volumes but also because he writes with confidence and crystal clear prose- highly recommended.
review 2: What would make someone take up a book on American History ? A compelling narrative that challenges old accepted notions . Something which David Reynolds brilliantly does, in his retelling of the American story.The handle of the whole book is how the author the inherent contradictions of Oppression and Liberty that have laid at the heart of American poltical and public life and has defined America ever since then.The author highlights the inherent conflict of the American role in word politics as an imperialist or a liberator ever since its inception.From Americas founding fathers proclamations of life , liberty and pursuit of Happiness to Obamas championing of human values all lie under the dark shadow of slavery in the South and the ensuing civil war,the invasions of Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iraq .Despite being 500 pages , the book is quite the page turner. A must read for anyone who seeks to understand America beyond the accepted cliches and fans of history.Guaranteed to make you contented and smarter after finishing less

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