Customer Reviews

The American Nation: A History of the United States (10th Edition)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This text is absolutely unsurpassed in terms of clarity, conciseness and general usefulness. I first used Garraty's book in 8th grade, then again as a supplement to some other texts in a U.S. A.P. class in high school (I got a 5 on the test, which I am confident is owed entirely to Garraty) and still use it for general reference in college. In a little over 1000 pages, Garraty covers just about every major event in United States history in interesting and extremely clear prose. I have yet to find any book that communicates such an enormous amount of information in such a small amount of space with such an enormous degree of clarity. I promise that this book will not only improve your understanding of U.S. history, but will also serve as a lifelong reference source.

Garraty's book The American Nation was informative and interesting. It provided information needed to help the student's in my AP History class. Granted, it was not perfect and was confusing at times, but all in all, it provided a good, detailed description of our history. Here are the pros and cons of Garraty's book. PROS: 1). Garraty is knowledgeable in his assessment of history 2). The book is very helpful with its timelines at the end of each chapter 3). Garraty explains the gist of every major event and sometimes non-major event 4). It's the only book where our class actually worshipped :) 5). IT WILL BE HELPFUL FOR AP HISTORY AND THE NATIONAL EXAM. I (personally) felt confident with the outcome of my exam, but that could also be due in part to my teacher who really complemented with Garraty. 6). It could be a GREAT paperweight! CONS: 1). It's not a good book to keep in your backpack all day long 2). Sometimes Garraty likes to force his opinions on certain historical figures ( he likes Hamilton, but not Jefferson) 3). There ARE events he doesn't cover that many might think was important or he might undercover events that many might think was important.

That's about it for the pros and cons, but remember these are just my opinions! Hope they helped! Good luck in AP History or whatever you're doing in regards to this book!!

I, like many others, used this text in my high school AP US History class. I found the text readable and occasionally entertaining the first time through. Garraty's book came with me to college and has served me well as I have nearly completed my work for a minor in History. If you are not already familiar with the best overview of US history, do yourself a favor an pick up a copy... It could serve you well for a long time.

This book is far more than a collection of dates and the authors' assertions about what happened and why. The history and analyses presented are clear and interesting. But in addition, there are many photographs, original illustrations, and excerpts from many other sources contemporary with the events discussed. These enlarge the understanding of what was happening. For example, in accounting for the change in the Soviet Union's status from ally in WWII to enemy in the Cold War, this book re-creates the smorgasbord of the portraits of Stalin laid out for the public to sample. Ambassador Davies in his best-seller, "Mission to Moscow" (1941), is quoted as asserting that communism is based "on the same principle of the 'brotherhood of man' which Jesus preached," and Stalin himself as a man whose "brown eye is exceedingly kind and gentle. A child would like to sit in his lap and a dog would silde up to him." The reader can see what an impression this would make on a public yet to learn about Stalin's purges of millions of his own people. Other printed sources are quoted and the depictions of Stalin in several movies--all combining to influence the public opinion which politicians must take into account--make this book a fascinating and accessible work of history. This book renders understandable the interplay of the Constitution, public opinion, re-election concerns, and many other factors in the policy and actions taken by The United States from the beginnings of its history.

Kudos to Garraty for his newest edition. I was a student in AP US History and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I received a 5 on the AP exam (highest possible score ranked 1-5). I wholeheartedly recommend the text to anyone serious about succeeding in AP US History or if you just want to refresh your knowledge of US History. Within the American Nation, you will find all sorts of ancedotes told by a preeminent raconteur. If you can not remember the "Sumner-Brooks" affair, you will enjoy reading Garraty's skilled account of that affair to remember.

The American Nation is not a well-written book, to say the least. It is long, boring, and at times confusing. When preparing to take the AP History test, I did not turn to the textbook my class had used, but a textbook my father used during his college days. That book was more helpful. If there is any spark of something flavorful and unique in American history, John Garraty has successfully sucked it out with his treatise on his "exalted" opinion. Reading this book was tedious, and at times more trouble than it was worth. Here the world has a book that goes in circles endlessly, instead of making a true point. The word choice is not lively, and it does not inspire those reading it. Instead, The American Nation leaves students feeling drained and disillusioned. I do not reccomend this book. It's miserable and convoluted.

The product arrived promptly, in described good condition. I am satisfied with the customer service I received and the quality of the product.

It came very soon after I had ordered it and it was in the exact condition that I payed for. Thank you!!

I read this book for AP US History and it provided a clear and concise overview and explanation of American History from start to finish. I recomend this book to anyone who is interested in American History or the emergence of the American Government.

Like many of the other reviewers of this text, I too used Garraty's book in my AP US History course, but unlike some, I felt this book served more than its purpose. It not only presented the how, when and what, but the why; possibly the most important of the questions a text answers, or attempts to. However, that should be expected in any text, what this book offered was a more personal account based on narrative instead of rhetoric. It proved as interesting as it did informative, as only Garraty can.