National Geographic Almanac of American History (Paperback)

by James Miller (Author), John Thompson (Author), Hugh Ambrose (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Featuring National Geographic's hallmark combination of stunning images, superb maps, authoritative narrative, and concise, penetrating analysis, the Almanac of American History has been carefully designed to offer its readers not just a wider and deeper understanding of our country's development, but also an inviting mix of fascinating facts and colorful graphics that make it a browser's delight.

After the Introduction by respected historian Hugh Ambrose and a special feature on how to use the Almanac's features most efficiently, the book is divided into four major parts, each exploring a different aspect of America's history. The first explores the continent's geology and geography to answer the fundamental question of how the vast, rich landscape shaped both our expanding society and our sense of ourselves. In Section 2, Milestones, twelve essays discuss how America evolved from a sparsely settled wilderness into the global leader it is today. Section 3 covers the major eras in America's history, beginning with the earliest Native Americans and closing with the first decade of a new millennium. Finally, a thematically organized section discusses such important topics as Leaders, Wars, Religion and Beliefs, and Presidents. An appendix features Milestone Documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and more. A bibliography and a comprehensive index complete this indispensable reference.

About the Author
James Miller earned his Ph.D. in history from Indiana University. After teaching at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, he was an editor in economics and history. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is currently writing a full-scale biography of a major figure in American history.

John Thompson is the author of six National Geographic books, including America's Historic Trails and Wildlands of the Upper South, and is currently researching a book on Benedict Arnold's march to Quebec. He lives with his family in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic (August 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426200994
• ISBN-13: 978-1426200991
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #86,459 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for all ages!, August 26, 2006

By	A. M. Hylton "Alex & Co." (Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: National Geographic Almanac of American History (Hardcover)

I had borrowed this book from our local library and was very impressed. There's so much information in it and so many great pictures...it is worth having on your shelf and you will refer to it often as you look up historical words or questions you run into, your children can use it for school...It is the only book of this kind, that I could find, that has the entire history and is not concentrating on just one time-period or subject abt. American history. I also bought the "world history" one from National Georaphic. It is a great price and I haven't seen it at this price anywhere else (trust me I've done some research before buying).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Choppily written, January 3, 2008

By	An Amazonian (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

This book seems to have been written to run about 500 pages before it was cut down to its final length of 338 pages. many of the sections I've read have been difficult to truly understand--sometimes the authors makes claims that need more explanation, and other times the sentences or paragraphs seem to be non sequitors. Great images, though.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific American history refresher, December 25, 2007

By	Marjean Gingrich "beanfiend" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: National Geographic Almanac of American History (Hardcover)

For adults who either loved or hated American history in high school and college, this is an excellent review. A well organized format starts as a general overview of progressive periods, and follows up with a more specific description of each era. Every section features maps or art representative of the period. All in all, this book displays the excellence we have come to expect of National Geographic.