Americans at War (Paperback)

~ Stephen E. Ambrose (Author) "At a time when the Civil War went badly for the Union, President Abraham Lincoln looked at a map and commented to a visitor, "See..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Cold War, Soviet Union (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Stephen E. Ambrose, one of the foremost historians of the European theater of World War II, shares his vast knowledge of that conflict as well as the Civil War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War in this compelling narrative about the American way of war. From Vicksburg to My Lai, Ambrose recounts the history of these wars with extensive coverage of the battlefields and believable portrayals of those involved, creating the perspective that the country's conflicts both reflect and shape American democratic society.

"Compelling." (The Indianapolis Star)

"Ambrose has the great gift of making history come alive." (The Anniston Star)

"Fascinating...insightful." (The Houston Chronicle)

From the Inside Flap

An eminent historianÂ’s essays that portray the American way of war --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; First Berkley Trade Paperback Edition edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425165108
• ISBN-13: 978-0425165102
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #231,242 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ambrose is not only a great historian..., April 10, 2001

By	George G. Kiefer (Sevierville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ambrose is not only a great historian, he's a great storyteller. This is a fine book for anyone wishing to sample Ambrose's ability before exploring his larger studies. To the initiated, his long-term followers, this collection of historical essays provides a quick but insightful review of topics ranging from Custer, to Mac Arthur to The Bomb. His remarks on My Lai are possibly the most levelheaded view of that sad event this reader has encountered.

Ambrose has a unique ability to weave traditional research, oral histories and the big picture into a compelling story. His written accounts are as riveting as his classes or his personal presentations. His craftsmanship as a master storyteller is as evident in these short pieces as it is in his larger works.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A+ for Ambrose !, October 26, 1998

By	Kcoruol "goprocks.com" (Florence, SC USA) - See all my reviews

Mr. Ambrose presents a collection of essays which range from Custer & Grant in the Civil War to Patton & MacArthur in WWII to Nixon's Bombing of Hanoi. Easy to understand and enjoyable to read. A must read for anyone yearning to understand how War has shaped America and how American leaders have shaped war.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An honest account of how we wage war., October 17, 1998

By A Customer

Americans At War is a good book with lots of personal experience as an underlying tone. Ambrose does not always agree with the policies that shaped our times. However, he offers well thought out practical analysis of that critical thinking. Ambrose is a professional historian who analysizes the most important aspects of history. For example, he dedicates an entire chapter in Americans At War to the home front. Many military historians coast over this very significant aspect of the World War II. He goes in to detail on how at the time of Pearl Harbor, the United States was significantly unprepared to wage any type of war let alone be the leader of democracy. He shows how American industry, farmers and workers came to the aid of the world. He gives much credit to the women who held families together while men where away. In the process they earned their independence and confidence. Forever chaning their place in society. The combination of personal experience, historical research and critcal thinking make this book an exceptional read.