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| TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY |
Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative |
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Book Reviews - Click on Title to read Review 2009-2010 Book Reviews:
Click on the title to view the Book Review
Dancing in the Dark: A Cultural History of the Great Depression
Synopsis: A detailed review of the cultural life of the 1930's featuring reviews of literature, films, Broadway and music. The author shows how a rich, panoramic culture both exposed and helped alleviate the national trauma. Dancing in the Dark is a study of one of America’s most remarkable artistic periods.
Synopsis: The life of Louis Brandeis as a lawyer, progressive, American Zionist, and Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Brandeis success as a Boston attorney who, unlike today's adversarial lawyers, attempted to find solutions rather than just win a case for his clients. His role in fighting big business, especially monopolies brought him national attention. Begriming in 1916, Brandeis would sit on the Supreme Court for 23 years establishing important legal precedents such as free speech and privacy. His leadership of American Zionists was insightful and effective. American Passage: The History of Ellis Island
Synopsis: A fascinating look at the history of immigration at America's main point of entry at Ellis Island. The author provides both vivid personal stories and experiences of the immigrants first encounter with America and the changing nature immigration policies of the United States. The book notes the changing role of Ellis Island played as the premier center for receiving immigrants to its abandonment in the 1950's to its rebirth in the late 1980's as a historical museum.
Synopsis: This book is both a personal and political memoir by the last of the famous Kennedy brothers that covers Ted Kennedy's life from the 1930's up to his fight with fatal brain cancer that ultimately killed him in 2009. This is fascinating reading for anyone who seeks the inside story of the political and life of the last Kennedy who witnessed so much of American History and politics in the 20th century. The Last Founding Father: The Nation's Call to Greatness
Synopsis: The life of James Monroe as Revolutionary War hero, Congressman, Governor, Diplomat, Secretary of State and President of the United States. Unlike the other presidents from Virginia, Monore was not wealthy but spent 40 years in public service to the nation. This book goes well beyond the Monroe Doctrine to tell of the many contributions Monroe provided to the young Republic. Triumvirate: The Story of the Unlikely Alliance that Saved the Constitution and United the Nation
Synopsis: A story of the battle over the adoption of the Constitution in 1788-89 lead by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. Critical essays written by these three men became known as the Federalist Papers which were used to win over public opinion. The battle for adoption played out in state conventions where critics of the new form of government included leaders such as Patrick Henry, George Mason, and John Hancock. The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon
Synopsis: A new look at George Washington's political life that he successfully kept hidden from his contemporaries. From his election to the House of Burgesses to the President of the United States, each step along the way Washington maneuvers to bring himself into an ever greater political role in our nation's history. His rise to power was not by chance.
Synopsis: The story of how Native Americans, especially those in the South and in the upper Missouri River region where fraudulently treated by the national government. The 1851 Treaty at Fort Laramie is the focal point for the failure of the national government to uphold its treaty obligations. The Last Indian War: The Nez Perce Story
Synopsis: The Nez Perce were often viewed by white settlers as honorable and trustworthy. But when gold is discovered near their lands in the 1840's a stampede of white settlements threaten their way of life. Two treaties in 1855 and 1863 shrank their homeland to smaller and smaller reservations. Coerced, cheated and dishonored in their own lands, war breaks out in 1876. The saga of the Nez Perce attempted escape to Canada over 1500 miles away over mountain and difficult terrain while being pursued by the Army is a fascinating story.
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