Unsolved Mysteries of American History

An Eye-Opening Journey through 500 Years of Discoveries, Disappearances, and Baffling Events

De: Paul Aron

Narrado por: Kurt Elftmann

Did Leif Ericsson beat Columbus to America? What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke? Did Pocahontas really save John Smith? Did Davy Crockett die at the Alamo? What really happened to Amelia Earhart, and was she a spy? Who killed JFK?

Unsolved Mysteries of American History re-creates the most mystifying events of our past, following some of our greatest historians as they search for the elusive answers. Spanning more than five centuries - from Leif Ericsson and Columbus through Watergate and Iran-Contra - Aron makes sense of all the latest discoveries and speculations. Here is everything you could ever want from a detective story: dramatic twists and turns, intellectual challenges, frustrating dead-ends, murderous mayhem, and thrilling espionage.

©1997 Paul Aron (P)2013 Tantor Audio

I wanted a little more

Unsolved Mysteries of American History is an engaging and entertaining read that provides a broad overview of some of the most intriguing and baffling events from America's past. The book serves as a light introduction to a variety of historical mysteries, ranging from disappearances to unsolved crimes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the unknown aspects of American history.

The writing is accessible, and each chapter gives a quick, digestible recap of the mystery it covers. For those who are new to these historical enigmas, it offers a solid starting point to pique curiosity. The author does an excellent job of presenting these stories in an easily digestible format, making it a good fit for casual readers looking for a bit of historical intrigue.

That said, the depth of analysis is somewhat lacking. While Philbrick presents various theories and possible solutions to each mystery, he only skims the surface without delving into more substantial or detailed exploration. For those hoping for deeper insights or more concrete answers, this book may feel more like a sampler platter than a comprehensive investigation. The suggestions for solving the mysteries are often speculative, and while they provide food for thought, they don’t provide enough evidence to feel like definitive conclusions.

If you're a history enthusiast looking for definitive answers to some of the nation's most puzzling events, you may be disappointed. There's no "smoking gun" here, no shocking revelations, and no conclusions that definitively explain any of the mysteries presented. Instead, the book is best enjoyed as a light, entertaining collection of historical anecdotes. The casual reader will appreciate the storytelling and the general overviews, but those seeking a more in-depth analysis will likely feel unsatisfied.

Overall, Unsolved Mysteries of American History is a fun, short read that introduces some captivating historical puzzles but falls short of offering any new or deeply satisfying insights. It’s perfect for a breezy, intriguing journey through history for those who enjoy quick, bite-sized stories of the past.

Deeply Flawed

Too simplistic. Too many details and too much evidence for many of these subjects is overlooked or glossed over, and little to no support is given for many of the author’s conclusions. Not recommended.

Mystery abounds where most we seek for answers

"Mystery abounds where most we seek for answers."
- Ray Bradbury

Flimsy, shallow, thin volume of 30 events in American history that have some sort of "mystery" related to them. Great idea, if the author had provided some unique insight, revelations, or original theories. None of that is here. Unfortunately, it is mostly an item by item defense of the mainstream narratives. Examples:

Pearl Harbor - author exonerates FDR, claiming it would have been dumb for the president to sacrifice the Pacific fleet, when the US was likely to go to war. No mention that the aircraft carriers were maneuvered out to sea as a measure to limit the damage.

Gulf of Tonkin - author exonerates LBJ, claiming there could have been some advantage taken on confusion, as opposed to what really happened - a fake event used to justify imperial war.

JFK - exonerates Warren Commission, backs up Oswald acted alone myth, even going so far as to praise the odious Gerald Posner and his book allegedly debunking JFK conspiracy theories. Complete nonsense, particularly the authors defense of the single bullet fairy tale. And no mention at all of the possible Israeli involvement in the assassination as a result of JFK's opposition to Israel obtaining nuclear weapons.

Dropping the atomic bombs on Japan - supports the nonsense that it saved lives, and glosses over the fact the Japanese were attempting to surrender and the US used the weapon for purposes other than to win the war.

Other whoppers show up, some outright laughable. Settlers killed all the bison? No, it was a systematic plan by the US government to eliminate the Native American food supply.

Oliver North had All-American looks? Only if one finds Alfred E. Neuman attractive.

Some of the chapters don't lean political, or reek of gatekeeping. Lindbergh kidnapping, Amelia Earhart, Pocahontas, etc. These type chapters are worth a listen. But when you're defending the Warren Commission, dropping the A-bomb, and alleging the US government was caught by surprise at Pearl Harbor....it is an insult to thinking people everywhere.

Linus loves Cheerios!

Narrative was good. interesting topics. I would recommend this book. very entertaining. thank u bye

Big NO

This book is just wishful thinking if the right wings past history. No facts....no science, just bs. For example....DNA PROVES Jeffersons fathered Sally Hemmings children. Don't make excuses.