Customer Reviews

10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America (History Channel Presents)

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In "10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America", Steven M. Gillon writes about key events in US history and their impact on American Society. Gillon does this while paying close attention to historical accuracy and with lively writing that is sharp, descriptive, and enjoyable.

Gillon's book is about historical events that caused, for better or worse, long-lasting changes in American history. Gillon does not write about April 6, 1917, when America entered World War I, or December 8, 1941, when America declared War on Japan. Gillon does not cover the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Robert F. Kennedy, which had profound effects in American society. The author does not write about the 1973 landmark case: "Roe v. Wade". Instead, Gillon selects what some may view as obscure events, but that are all important in the sense that they did cause unforeseen change in American history.

Gillon covers a wide range of events, from the slaughter of the Pequot Indians by the Puritans to the murders of three young civil rights workers in Mississippi. Did Shays' rebellion lead to the creation of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative branches of the government? Was the Battle of Antietam the beginning of the end of the Civil War? Was Elvis Presley the "founding father" of rock and roll? These are but some of the questions that Gillon wants us to ponder.

Few Americans will disagree that Theodore Roosevelt was the architect of significant changes in American history. However, would Roosevelt have become president if President William McKinley had not been assassinated in 1901? While some readers may disagree with Gillon's selection of events, his book will still make for interesting and lively reading - the reader will have to make his or her own assessment.

Whether you agree or disagree with Gillon's ten historical events, one thing is certain: "10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America" will give every reader food for thought with Gillon's wide-angle view of our past, our present, and perhaps our future.

This book, the companion volume to a History Channel series with the same name, is an unexpectedly thought-provoking book.

The series and the book spotlight ten days in US history that triggered critical changes in the nation's development in an unexpected manner. That's an unusual concept. It means, for example, that Lincoln's assassination is ignored, while McKinley's is explored. That's because the impact of the former is well understood, while the impact of the latter-- Teddy Roosevelt unexpectedly propelled into the presidency, the sudden change in US foreign policy to an expansionist mode, the acceleration of the Progressive agenda, and the eclipse of the dominant conservatism at the end of the century-- is not.

Obviously, it's possible to quarrel with the ten events that were selected for the book and the series. Is the slaughter of the Pequot Indians by the Puritans really a critical event? How about Elvis Presley's appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show? Gillion makes the case, and it's up to us to decide if he's right.

The book and the series were developed in parallel, not in tandem. That is, Gillon details the same events as the series writers did, but they didn't share sources. I saw only two episodes of the series, and there are differences in emphasis.

The book is brief, but Gillon is careful to summarize without endangering historical accuracy. The ten accounts are fast-moving, and the writing is crisp. The end result is a very entertaining and enjoyable read. At the end of every chapter, Gillon cites several sources for further reading. These include standard histories and source documents.

This book offered a lot to think about. I really enjoyed it, and I recommend it highly.

This was one of the most informative and interesting books I've read in some time. Every history buff needs to read this. Absolutely an eye opener. You won't want to put this one down.

If the title sounds familiar, it's because the History Channel has a series of documentaries on the topic - and 10 DAYS THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED AMERICA is the companion book for the series, covering the major events which triggered lasting changes in the nation. From the January 1787 battle of Shays' Rebellion to a carpenter who started the California gold rush, events are vividly re-created with plenty of attention to their lasting impact.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

This is a really surprising book. I had no idea some of these things took place, yet they changed the way we all live, even today. This is a truely exceptional book, well worth a look.

I found this to be a very interesting concept and equally interesting read. This is a must read for anyone with even a passing interest in how and why we live as we do in this country. Instead of dealing with dates in history we all know, this book deals with why September 6, 1901 was an extremely important date. Also July 16, 1939 was a date that greatly changed this country and the world. There are eight others like it. Not familiar with those dates - read and find out. You won't be sorry.

Instead of detailing the dates that we all learn in history class, this book describes some less well known days that were important turning points in the history of America. It is a companion to a History Channel documentary (that was produced by different historians.) The author was fairly balanced in his views, coloring the events as we see them today, but still keeping them in the context of the time they took place. Each event is well written and self-contained.

I found the author's choice of the ten days debatable. With such a large country and such a rich heritage, it's unlikely that any two people would agree on which ten events were so historical. So, here we have just one guy's opinion. It seemed to me that the author viewed U.S. history from a leftist perspective, in which corporations or Republicans or other elements of the establishment are, if not evil, at least unsavory. Some of his picks are curious -- Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Massacre of the Pequots, McKinley's Assassination. Oh well, that's his opinion. My opinion is different. On the other hand, the book was well-written and cogent, providing good background on the events described. I just would have chosen different events.

Thanks for the CDs. They were in great shape and worth the price!