1,001 Things Everyone Should Know About American History [Paperback]

John A. Garraty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1992

American history the way you wish you'd learned it -- accessible, lively, witty, and just plain fun... but with a serious core of key knowledge selected by one of our most respected historians.

B & W photographs throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- A selection of facts about American history that most people will know about if not remember precisely. Appropriate details and connections will lead to the recall of other historical facts. An entertaining compilation that can be dipped into at random--and be thoroughly enjoyed. Anne Paget, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Expanded from an article by the author in American Heritage (December 1986) these 1001 facts, helped by 400 illustrations, fill a mere 256 pages. In his introduction, Garraty states these items are things that came to mind when writing the book and are representative, "not a definitive collection of essential information." As such, this book is rather like a cross between The Book of Lists and The People's Almanac for American history. Incredibly, few entries are cited, so that the sources cannot be identified; a typical citation for a quotation is "Thomas Jefferson, 1814." That the author had to strive to reach his goal of 1001 facts is evinced by the section on famous people with the last name of Smith (12 entries). Binding, layout, and indexing are average. For the money, any standard handbook on political terms, the presidency, or American history would be a better buy. Better yet, renew your subscription to American Heritage . Not recommended. Quality Paperback Book Club selection; History Book Club main selection.
- James Moffet, Baldwin P.L., Birmingham, Mich.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books (October 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385425775
• ISBN-13: 978-0385425773
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,181,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispenible reference work., April 19, 2000

By 

Joseph T. Reeves - See all my reviews

This review is from: 1,001 Things Everyone Should Know About American History (Paperback)

"1001 Things Everyone Should Know about American HIstory" is a quick, breezy reference work that covers such diverse topics as famous families, famous and significant Americans, key military events, important legislation, and notable sppeches. At roughly 200 pages, this book contains a wide range of American history that will be especially valuable to high school and college students. Even if you're a regular reader of American history, you'll find this book is a quick and easy-to use source for answers to to recurring questions about the American saga. It's much easier to consult this book's summary of great American speeches than spend hours as the library looking for the comparisons and contrasts between Lincoln's "House Divided" speech and his "Gettysburg Address." The book also contains an abundance of contemporary sketches and photographs. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stuff they forgot to teach us, November 17, 2010

By 

ROBERT A. SANTA MARIA "human book worm" (somewhere in the wilds of New Jersey) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About American History (Hardcover)

Well, I had this book way back when it was first published and lost it.

I had thought it was out of print but, as usual, Amazon came through.

This is an amazing book. I would venture to say that anyone who has any question about American History would find this a valuable resource.

I would recommend this book to those who want to brush up on American History. I would also recommend it to those who find the little facts of history fascinating.