American Century 1963-1989 [ABRIDGED] [ABRIDGED] [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio Cassette)

~ (Author), Ira Claffey (Reader), Gail Buckland (Contributor), Kevin Baker (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

First published as a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book, The American Century is a sweeping survey of the second 100 years of U.S. history as a republic18891989. It is an ambitious work that explores the most important forces driving modern U.S. history, which it constantly examines in the context of the world as a whole. This dual perspective emerges because author and journalist Evans is an immigrant from Britain who has been captivated by the energy and spirit of individual freedom he found in America. His book is clearly a labor of love. The four separate packages that comprise this production are labeled abridgments, but their combined 24 hours must constitute a large part of the original bookespecially since reader Ira Claffey speaks at an unusually fast pace. He is a smooth and spirited reader, but if this program has a fault it is that Claffey reads with too much energy, making it difficult to savor Evanss powerful prose. Recommended for all libraries with patrons hungry for good historical works on tape.R. Kent Rasmussen, Thousand Oaks, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The American Century: 1963-1989, the watershed of Vietnam, the New Conservatism--and beyond . . .

The "noble cause" of Vietnam was the longest war in America's history, the most unpopular war, and the first modern war America lost. Vietnam ended the belief that America had a duty to fight everywhere abroad for freedom. It polarized the country. It destroyed the illusion of American omnipotence. And it shattered our faith in the honesty and credibility of government.

This program traces America's involvement in and withdrawal from Vietnam, and the protests and rebellion that accompanied it. It also follows the electoral triumph of Richard Nixon, the growth of the imperial presidency, Nixon's successes--including the great achievement of opening the door to China--and his devastating fall due to the consequences of a "third-rate burglary": Watergate.

Beyond the Nixon era lie the Camp David Accord, the takeover of the Iranian embassy, and the earthshaking changes brought about by the Reagan and the issues of the '80s, including right-to-life conflicts, the junk bond and S&L predators, and the dramatic rise of the New Conservatism and the religious right. Finally, the question arises: If the last hundred years have been this eventful, what incredible changes and challenges might we see in the next hundred?

Harold Evans, picture researcher Gail Buckland, and historical researcher Kevin Baker worked diligently to ensure accuracy throughout this landmark work. This audio program intrigues and involves, vividly bringing to life the power and passion of the American century, a century like no other.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio; Abridged edition (December 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559275278
• ISBN-13: 978-1559275279
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,855,263 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)