American Heritage's Great Minds of American History [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Stephen E. Ambrose (Reader), David McCullough (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

In a series of fascinating interviews, today's best and brightest historians weigh in on the crucial moments in American history. American Heritage® Great Minds of American History takes you there, imbuing the past with an immediacy that goes well beyond the scope of formal histories. Roger Mudd's highly knowledgable questions illuminate five truly first-rate minds:

World War II and the Post-War Era

Stephen Ambrose, biographer of Eisenhower and Nixon, bestselling author of Citizen Soldiers and Undaunted Courage, and adviser to Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan offers his expert insight into war and its aftermath.

The American Revolution

Gordon Wood, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution, and renowned expert on the colonial era brings to life the birth of the first modern democracy.

America's Forgotten Era: 1865-1914

David McCullough acclaimed historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Truman, offers his stunning perspective on the dawn of The American Century.

The American West

Richard White, MacArthur Genius Award winner and author of groundbreaking books on the American West, offers his challenging views on the winning and the losing of the West.

The Civil War

James McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry Of Freedom, and one of the foremost experts on the Civil War offers his compelling insight into our nation's darkest and bloodiest hour.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

American Heritage magazine, the country's leading magazine of history, has published dozens of highly acclaimed books, including American Heritage® History of the United States, American Heritage® New History of the Civil War, American Heritage® New History of World War II and American Heritage® Encyclopedia of American History.

From AudioFile

These are tapes of Roger Mudd's interviews on the History channel. Represented are Stephen Ambrose on WWII and the post-war era, Gordon Wood on the American Revolution, David McCullough on America's forgotten era (1865-1914), Richard White on the American West, and James McPherson on the Civil War. All five of the participants and the interviewer are articulate, well spoken and knowledgeable. Each historian brings his own point of view to his topic; no general survey of the area is intended. History buffs will enjoy listening. R.E.K. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Abridged edition (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671043846
• ISBN-13: 978-0671043841
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,782,501 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Books on Cassette > History > United States
  • #87 in Books > Books on Cassette > Reference > General
  • #95 in Books > Books on Cassette > History > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy U.S. History on the Ears, July 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: American Heritage's Great Minds of American History (Audio Cassette)

This audiobook is an excellent addition to the U.S. history-buff's glove compartment. There are basically four tapes of interviews by Roger Mudd done for the History Channel. Mudd asks questions to the featured historians and they respond with stories and factoids to keep you thinking. I can listen to them many times and still learn things that I didn't catch the last time around. This is also a great way to brush up on your U.S. history while enriching what you already know.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST for All Americans--not just history buffs, June 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: American Heritage's Great Minds of American History (Audio Cassette)

This is the very best audio tape I've ever listened to. While some interviews are better (Stephen Ambrose) than others (Richard White), each one offers important insight and perspective on the most important events of our time. Through the eyes of these men, our nation's history is told so clearly and succinctly, and with such passion, that you can't help but be changed and moved by the experience. I guarantee you'll come away with a better grasp of who we are and where we're headed as a nation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To all history teachers, April 16, 2011

By 

Tycoon - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Heritage's Great Minds of American History (Audible Audio Edition)

This is a stimulating, motivating and inspiring exhibition of the value of American history for both young and old. Every elementary, middle school and high school history teacher in the U.S. should be required to listen to these interviews. This would go a very long way toward helping to solve a major problem that David McCullough defines: "We are raising a generation of young people who are historically illiterate to a large degree...and it's not the fault of the students. We've done a very poor job of teaching history..."