A History of the American People

By: Paul Johnson

Narrated by: Nadia May

Length: 48 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Johnson's monumental history of the United States, from the first settlers to the Clinton administration, covers every aspect of American culture: politics, business, art, literature, science, society and customs, complex traditions, and religious beliefs. The story is told in terms of the men and women who shaped and led the nation and the ordinary people who collectively created its unique character.

Anne Hutchinson, Cotton Mather, Ben Franklin, Tom Paine, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, among others, are all presented in a fresh perspective. Wherever possible, letters, diaries, and recorded conversations are used to ensure a sense of actuality.

This is an in-depth portrait of a great people, from their fragile origins and struggles for independence, to their heroic efforts and sacrifices to deal with the "organic sin" of slavery and the preservation of the Union, to their explosive economic growth and emergence as the world's greatest superpower.

©1997 Paul Johnson (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Johnson is a lively writer (more so than nearly all other historians), and May's reading is sensitive to Johnson's wit and sharp comments....Her reading is lively, crisp, and sharp throughout." (AudioFile)

"A magnificent achievement...brilliantly combines broad sweep with extraordinary detail." (Wall Street Journal)

Best I’ve read on American History

This is the best book on American History I’ve ever read and I’ve read plenty! Warning, it’s long and although other history books are more detailed in specific areas this is the best overall book on American history I’ve read.

Thorough Overview

I am sure Johnson could’ve written 270 chapters. He provides thorough overviews and then drills down on details when necessary. I was expecting a bit more out of the last 5 or so chapters, probably because I lived them. I would recommend this book for anyone seek a general overall history. Earliest chapters leading up to Revolution were the best in my mind.

Magnificent history

Johnson gives us a pro-American history of our great country. Finally, a book that does not condemn the U.S. due to her many, past wrongs. The overarching tone is optimism. Whether Johnson is discussing race relations, women's rights, industrialization or immigration, he obviously admires our nation(Johnson was born and educated in England)! Nadia May gives a crisp and lively reading which just adds to the listeners experience.

Not much different than a HS text book

The author made a lot of assumptions from assumptions, especially in dealing with Native Americans. The natives of North America were not primitve and few. The numbers before the European diseases wiped them out down to the few (before any major settlements from Europe arrived) were in fact quite large. There were even abandoned settlements where European settlers just moved in. See the book "1491".

It was, however, very interesting to hear US History from a woman with a British Accent. I wich it had had less scope and more detail.

a wonderful history

panoramic, thorough, remarkably well researched and written, full of unexpected perspectives that are of great value for those to pay attention.

47 hours felt too short!

A great comprehensive view of American history. With no pretensions or excuses Mr Johnson explains the complexity through the lives of great statesman.

Bliss

Uses data to make points. Memorable turns of phrase. Ready to listen again. insightful, enjoyable listen.

Amazing book narrator horrible

I stuck with the book because Paul Johnson's books are awesome. This one in particular. I think he is right in that not having learned American History in school gave him a fresh perspective. I haven't read all of his, but many and Intellectuals is the best I've read.
But, I didn't like the narrator. It isn't that she did a bad job, I just dislike her voice. She does many audiobooks, so it is probably just me.

Spare me

The author of this book feels that Norman Rockwell eventually will be be remembered in the same category as Rembrandt and Nixon will be compared to Jefferson. I couldn't read any more after this. Save your credits.

A somewhat misleading title

This book may have been more aptly titled a political history of the American people.
While massive in its size, it's scope was rather narrowly restricted toward a lineage of the American presidents and the events surrounding their election and terms of office.