Customer Reviews

A History of Kentucky

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Although this book was published more than 60 years ago -- and has been updated several times since then -- it is THE PLACE to begin if you are curious about Kentucky's fascinating -- and often tragic -- history. Although "A New History of Kentucky" is more current and is quite good, Clark's book is essential for understanding the Bluegrass State and how it has evolved. Clark's book also gives you a deeper appreciation of "A New History" and helps you understand some of the finer points of that book as well. Clark is a first-rate historian, but he also is a wonderful story-teller as well. He weaves a compelling story about Kentucky as a place full of optimism, corruption, idealism and missed opportunity. He captures some of the commonwealth's more colorful figures without deifying anyone or losing focus. Trying to understand Kentucky without reading Clark is not unlike trying to comprehend Rome without reading Gibbon or England without reading Churchill.

I agree with the previous reviewer. This is a great starting point for someone interested in Kentucky history and definitely a "read before" reading "A New Kentucky History". It lays the foundation concerning the earliest portions of Kentucky history and really helped me understand the beginnings of my adopted home state. I would not have enjoyed A New Kentucky History nearly as much had I not read this book first. Well written and engrossing, a definite must have for anyone interested in the Bluegrass State. Yes, I know it's really a Commonwealth :)